Asterella tenella (L.) P. Beauv.

Photo by Li Zhang

Thalli with purple scales at growing tips; note the rounded purple button-like ?aborted female gametangiophore bordered by a fringe of small scales near the center of the photo. This branch did not elongated to elevate the carpocephalum above the thallus.

Found on an exposed sandstone rock glade, April 17, 2005 in southern Illinois at Bell Smith Springs (Pope County) by Dylan Kosma;

Asterella tenella (L.) P. Beauv.

Photo by Li Zhang

Carpocephala with immature sporophtes; note the reddish tinge on the stalks and pseudoperianth scales that surround each developing sporophyte.

Found on an exposed sandstone rock glade, April 17, 2005 in southern Illinois at Bell Smith Springs (Pope County) by Dylan Kosma;