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;

 

Asterella tenella (L.) P. Beauv. [identified by study of a paradermal section to view the dorsal epidermal cell walls and the pattern of the cells surrounding the air chamber openings]

Photo by Li Zhang

USA. Illinois. Johnson Co. Ferne Clyffe State Park, Black Jack Oak Trail. On sandy soil on exposed sandstone rock glade, 180 m, May 31, 2009. Zhang 6331 (voucher in SZG)