Catagonium politum

Catagonium politum

Catagonium politum (Hook. f. & Wils.) Broth., Nat. Pfl. 1 (3):1088, 1908.

Hypnum politum Hook. f. & Wils., London J. Bot. 3:553, 1844. [Original material: Hermite Isl., Cape Horn, coll. J. D. Hooker, 1839–1843 (lectotype, present designation; K).]

Slender, flexuous stems mostly 2 cm long. Leaves usually spreading at about 45° angle, on mature branches compressed into 2 apparent rows; leaves of mature stems usually contiguous to slightly imbricate or equitant, smaller and more irregular on flagellate branches, ca. 1.2 mm long, 0.45 mm wide, cymbiform, oblong-lanceolate when opened out; apex rather blunt, apiculate with short, slightly reflexed, slender tip; margins entire. Cells very narrowly linear, 3–4 μm wide, up to 150 μm long; basal cells mostly 25–40 μm long, to 7 μm wide. Setae 1.25–2.0 cm long. Capsules 2.0–2.5 mm long, distinctly apophysate; peristome with cilia in groups of 2; spores 12–16 μm in diameter, appearing smooth.

MAS AFUERA: Near summit of Los Innocentes, ca. 5000 ft, H. & E. 233c.

The species is known from Colombia southward to Tierra del Fuego in South America, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, and Kerguelen. It has not previously been reported from Juan Fernandez.