Cliff Scalewort

Cliff Scalewort - Porella cordaeana

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Description

This liverwort has branched dark green shoots that appear flattened. Leaves are approx. 2 mm wide. Underleaves are quite widely spaced out along stems.

Similar Species

Porella platyphylla

Identification difficulty

ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)

Underleaves spaced out and not overlapping each other. Edges tend to turn up as specimen dries.

Identification aids

It differs from the much more common Porella platyphylla by having underleaves that are fairly well spaced and not overlapping. The edges of the underleaves also tend to curl up.

Recording advice

Detailed photos of underside of leaves/stem needed

Habitat

Rocks and tree bases by lowland rivers. Also rocks in sheltered ravines. Rarely found in limestone areas.

VC55 Status

Rare

Melinda Bell
Thringstone,Grace Dieu Woods
29 January 2025
sue
Grace Dieu Wood
29 January 2025
broad, widely spaced underleaves, narrow lobules
Melinda Bell
Thringstone,Grace Dieu Woods
29 January 2025
lower surface
Melinda Bell
Thringstone,Grace Dieu Woods
29 January 2025
upper surface
sue
Grace Dieu Wood
29 January 2025
sue
Grace Dieu Wood
29 January 2025
in wet woodland