Racomitrium norrisii Bednarek-Ochyra & Ochyra
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Synonym: Codriophorus norrisii (Bednarek-Ochyra & Ochyra) Bednarek-Ochyra & Ochyra
Special status: NONE
Recognition: This species is easily mistaken for Racomitrium aciculare in the field because of its weakly dentate leaf tips. Only when examined under a microscope and the bistratose margins are observed can identification be made. Note that on occasion Racomitrium aciculare will have bistratose leaf margins on some leaves but nevertheless most of its leaves will be unistratose. Similarly, some leaves of R. norrisii may occasionally be unistratose. The pseudopapillae-like papillae on R. norrisii are described as very prominent on young leaves (Bednarek-Ochyra 2006), while R. aciculare has the broad papillae over vertical cell walls characteristic of the subgenus Cataractae.
Distribution: Presently known only from California and Idaho, it will probably turn up in Oregon in high mountains. It is a riparian species, growing in situations where Racomitrium aciculare is likely to occur.
Comments: I first found this species in Idaho in 1975, at which time I noted on the packet, "like Racomitrium aciculare except the margins are bistratose." I sent it to Bednarek-Ochyra in 1999 and it was mentioned in the original description of R. norrisii. The photomicrographs below are of this specimen, Wagner 810, a paratype. A duplicate of this collection is in the California Academy of Sciences herbarium.
Selway Falls, Idaho Co., Idaho. DHW 810.
Racomitrium norrisii; Selway Falls, Idaho Co., Idaho. DHW 810.
Racomitrium norrisii; Selway Falls, Idaho Co., Idaho. DHW 810.
Racomitrium norrisii - South Fork Kings River, Fresno Co., California. Shevock 14499 (CAS).
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Guide to Racomitrium of Oregon
Created 2007 Northwest Botanical Institute