Revised name: Plenogemma phyllantha
English name: Frizzled pincushion
A distinctive acrocarpous moss that forms small, pale olive-green cushions. This species is instantly recognised by the straight leaves that curl up when dry and the clusters of brown gemmae at the tip of those leaves.
In Scotland, Ulota phyllantha is especially widespread in coastal and lowland regions where it is found on sallow, willow, ash, elder, hazel and sycamore, and rocks and walls. BBS distribution map
Look out for Frullania dilitata, Metzgeria fruticulosa, Orthotrichum affine and Ulota bruchii nearby.
Confusion species: Orthotrichum lyellii
scottishlichens.co.uk 