Plants with branches in fascicles, branches usually of spreading and pendent types but rarely spreading only. Protonemata thallose. Leaves usually of two distinctly different types; branch leaves that are normally inrolled and broadest ca. 1/4-1/3 the distance from the base, more or less tapered to a cucullate to involute apex; stem leaves more or less flat and usually broadest at the base; both leaf types of a network of hyaline, dead cells and green chlorophyllose cells; pores and reinforcing fibrils frequent in branch leaf hyaline cells and uncommon in stem leaf hyaline cells. Rhizoids lacking. Sporophytes consisting of a spherical capsule with pseudostomata on capsule surface, a very short seta, and a foot, exserted on a pseudopodium of gametophyte tissue. Spores released by explosive opening of operculum.
Home