Bryum algovicum on wasteground

Bright yellow-green patches of B. algovicum

The species was found to be locally frequent and fruiting freely around the margins of winter-flooded ground alongside Phoenix Wharf within Port Talbot Docks last week. Although the capsules weren't fully ripe, cutting the capsules lengthways then squashing them under the cover slip seems to work well at exposing the distinctive zig-zag peristome. The main associates were Barbula convoluta var. convoluta, Ceratodon purpureus, Dicranella varia, Didymodon tophaceus and Drepanocladus aduncus.

Nicholaston

Bryological distractions during our Adder search at Nicholaston on Good Friday included Bryum algovicum (new for SS58), Ptychomitrim polyphyllum (first Gower Peninsula record), Racomitrum aciculare (seemingly uncommon in the lowlands) and Orthodontium lineare (a species I seem to be seeing a little more frequently this year).

rocks along lane at Nicholaston Grange with P. polyphyllum plants arrowed

Ptychomitrium polyphyllum 

Bryum algovicum in dunes below Crawley Bluff

B. algovicum exostome teeth with oblique articulations

Orthodontium lineare