Illustrated Glossary

Alar cells
Special cells at the sides of the leaf base, notably longer usually. Alar = "relating to wings"

example - Dicranum scoparium

Bulbil
Small bulb-like structure for vegetative propogation

example - Bryum dichotomum

Costa
The rib-like structure, sometimes a midrib, or occasionally a small double "V" in pleuocarps

example - (Hygro)Amblystegium tenax

Falcato-secund
Falcate - sickle shaped
Secund - arranged to one side

example - Hypnum cupressiforme

Excurrent
When the nerve goes beyond the leaf "end" it's called "excurrent"

example - Barbula unguiculata

Fascicle
"bunch"or "bundle" (same word "fascism" comes from!)

example - Racomitrium fasciculare fascicles

Gemma
A small "propagule" which can detach to form a new plant. Variant in form and location.

example - Ulota phyllantha leaf tip gemmae

example - Zygodon viridissimus leaf axil gemma

Hairpoint
An extension of the leaf tip, commonly hyaline (clear), occasionally not

example - Campylopus introflexus

Hyaline
Clear, colourless - typically used to describe cells and hairpoints

example - Racomitrium lanuginosum

Lamellae

example - Polytrichastrum formosum leaf section

Nerve
See "Costa"

Papillose
Having small bumps. Used mostly, but not only, for leaf cells

example - Barbula unguiculata

example - Brachytheceum rutabulum's papillose seta

Rhyzoid
Root-like filaments often (always?) used to attach to substrate

example - Campylopus introflexus

Seta
The stalk on which the capsule sits

example - the bumpy,  red seta of Brachythecium rutabulum

Spore
Reproductive unit of bryophytes and other cryptogams

examples - Rhynchostegium riparioides

Stoma - superficial
Small opening ("mouth") which facilitates gas exchange/controls moisture, and which is on the surface

example - Orthotrichum affine capsule

Stoma - immersed
Small opening ("mouth") which facilitates gas exchange/controls moisture, and which is "embedded"

example - Orthotrichum rivulare capsule

Tomentum
Matted hair-like stuff around a plant stem

example - Aulacomnium palustre