Status: Native
Synonyms:
Tortella inclinata var. densa (Lorentz & Molendo) Limpr.
Barbula inclinata var densa Lorentz & Molendo
Tortella densa can have either acute or longer acuminate leaves depending apparently
on location. The stems are a dull orange-green. The leaves have a several-celled mucro. The most
diagnostic feature is only seen on cross section-- the leaf cell walls are significantly thicker
on the upper and lower walls (the walls facing the outside) than on the cross-walls in the leaf interior.
This makes the multiple papillae per cell appear to sit on pedicels and makes the leaf look
almost three cells thick on cross section. The costa can look a different shade than the lamina
on cross section, making it look like a two or three toned lamina on some cross sections.
Another useful lab character is the reaction to KOH (potassium hydroxide) -- the leaves turn orange.
Many thanks to the University of Colorado Herbarium, Erin Tripp, and Dina Clark for permitting us
to photograph this specimen.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Tortella densa (dry), collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa (dry), photomicrograph of upper stems, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa (dry), photomicrograph of apex of stems, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of moistened stems, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of leaf, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of near leaf base (apex to right), collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of leaf apex, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of leaf apex in KOH, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of leaf cross section, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of leaf cross section, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of leaf cross section, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
Tortella densa, photomicrograph of leaf cross section, collection and ID Eberhard Hegewald, Ireland, East Mayo, Loch Carra, Keel Bridge, flat face of rock, September 9, 1970; photos Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard January 14, 2023
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