File:Capillary Thread-moss (Bryum capillare) - geograph.org.uk - 1178772.jpg

English: Capillary Thread-moss (Bryum capillare). This moss is well described in the book "British Mosses and Liverworts" (E.V.Watson, 1955); as its introductory comments for Bryum capillare state, "this is not only our most widespread species of Bryum but is indeed one of the most abundant British mosses. The dense tufts or wide cushions are notable for the corkscrew-like spiralling of the leaves when dry. When moist, fertile material is met with on some wall-top – a favourite habitat – the plants are conspicuous on account of their robust habit, broad leaves, and large drooping capsules". The capsules of the moss are shown here, borne on reddish stalks (setae), which, in this case, were about 2.5 cm high. These capsules are fairly young; when mature, they will become brownish in colour. The leaves are visible below, arranged in little whorls. (The reproductive strategies of mosses are summarized here: 1170910.) The specimen shown in my photograph is growing on top of a dry-stone wall; this species can also be found on soil, logs, trees, fences, and in many other habitats.