The sporophytes of moss plants are dependent on the gametophytes for both photosynthesis and water, which makes conducting cells (hydroids and leptoids) an important part of the sporophyte anatomy. A previous study found that Physcomitrium pyriforme, which has shorter sporophytes, had higher rates of water transport than Funaria hygrometrica, which has taller sporophytes. The aim of this study is to test for differences in the conducting cell anatomy between these two moss species, which could be responsible for differences in water transport rates. We used histology methods to fix, embed, and section sporophyte seta and then quantified the numbers and sizes of the conducting cells. The results revealed that leptoids comprise a higher proportion of the conducting cell area in P. pyriforme, while hydroids comprise more of the conducting cell area in F. hygrometrica. These results point toward the leptoids playing a role in water transport in the moss sporophyte.

Spotting thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates can be sped up dramatically by using micropipette tips for simultaneous extraction and delivery of lichen substances. High quality results can be obtained in half the time or less for the most time-consuming step in TLC of lichens, spotting the plates.

Tubers are described for the first time in the moss genus Timmiella (Pottiaceae). Using uniclonal cultures, tubers were produced after at least 3 months, were spherical, often occurred in groups (“nests”), ranged in size from 10–600 µm in diameter, and had a water content of ∼4% (dry wt basis) while yet retaining an oil-like residue. On a per individual shoot basis, belowground biomass in cultures equaled aboveground biomass. Tubers germinated in ∼3 days from planting by producing multiple protonemal filaments, similar to detached shoot tips and rhizoids, but much more rapidly than detached leaves. Germinated tubers eventually formed a colony (producing 50 protonemal shoots and extending horizontally 11 mm) in ∼30 days, measures very similar to detached shoot tips, and faster than rhizoids and detached leaves. The presence of Timmiella crassinervis in frequently burned regions of chaparral suggests fire frequency in California may have selected for greater belowground allocation.