A collaborative project supported by the US National Science Foundation through the Dimensions in Biodiversity Program
Syntrichia caninervis
Dry Syntrichia caninervis stems under dissecting scope. PHOTO: T. ClarkHydrated Syntrichia caninervis stemunder dissecting microscope. PHOTO: T. ClarkDry stem under dissecting microscope. Field characters for ID include vertically oriented leaves (appressed) and “white dusting” on the back of the leaves on the midveins (costa). PHOTO: J.BrindaMicro-hills of Syntrichia caninervis amidst a reddish sandstone soil. One pine seeding taking root illustrates one role of soil crust in helping some vascular plant seedlings establish! PHOTO: K. Deane-CoeDry biocrust community with large dominant cushions of S. caninervis (black). Grand Staircase National Monument, UT. PHOTO: T. Clark
