Aschisma kansanum

Protonema persistent as a thick green adherent felt. Leaves with strongly bordered and serrulate margins, distal laminal cell strongly bulging, papillae centered over lumens, mucro strongly denticulate. Capsule exothecial cells rectangular, 4-5:1, mostly ca. 13-18 µm wide. Spores 18-20 µm, weakly ornamented.

Capsules mature Apr. Usually under translucent rocks in exposed situations; moderate elevations; of conservation concern; Kans.

Aschisma kansanum is endemic to the United States, being restricted to High Plains grassland (Gary L. Smith 1990) in three counties in west-central Kansas. Its persistent protonema and habitat are distinctive. This tiny, very rare species is threatened by over-collecting and grazing.