Phymatoceros phymatodes (M. Howe) R. J. Duff, J. C. Villarreal, Cargill & Renzaglia
Description: Phymatoceros phymatodes is a hornwort with strap-shaped thalli, often with smooth, parallel sides, but sometimes with more flared and frilly edges, particularly when growing in dense populations. Plants rarely produce sporophytes, but nearly always form spherical tubers on long cylindrical stalks extending from the underside of the thallus. So far, here in Santa Barbara County, I have seen it on the banks of a seasonal stream on the crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Key Characters:
- Thallus: strap-like, solid (no cavities)
- Tubers: spherical, with or without hairs, on cylindrical stems on underside of thallus
- Sporophytes: uncommon, up to 2 cm long
- Spores: yellow to brown
- Chloroplasts: usually 1/cell, usually without pyrenoids
Scroll down for photos illustrating habitat, form, tubers, and chloroplasts (click to enlarge).
Bryophytes of Santa Barbara 