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 primarily on the crest of the Santa Ynez Mountains, on the banks of seasonal streams, as well as on road cuts and trail cuts, and even in moist openings in the chaparral.
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, quite thick and stubby
- Spores: yellow to brown
- Chloroplasts: usually 1/cell, usually without pyrenoids
Scroll down for photos illustrating habitat, form, tubers, and chloroplasts (click to enlarge).
