138 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
Bryophyte Notes, 1962
By E. Saunders
Another year of discovery for the bryologists and some unusual
species have turned up for Essex although most of the following
recordings are of species whose presence might be expected.
New Species for Essex
Mosses
Dicranum strictum Schleich. Ongar Park Wood, 23rd Decem-
ber 1963, v.c. 18, growing on coppiced hornbean and on a dead
tree stump. The other two members of this group of three, D.
montanum and D. flagellare, were both seen last year and it was
predicted that this present species would be found in Essex. It
is pleasing to note its appearance so soon after the prediction.
Where found it was plentiful and will most probably increase its
distribution in woodlands.
Tortula intermedia (Brid.) Berk. Church wall at South Weald,
1960, v.c. 18.
Trichostomum sinuosum (Wils.) Lindb. At the base of bridge
over the River Roding at Buckhurst Hill, 13th January 1962,
v.c. 18.
Weissia rutilans (Hedw.) Lindb. Under trees in Monks Wood,
Epping Forest, 1962, v.c. 18. A rare species having only once
previously been seen in Northern Essex in 1875.
Bryum argenteum var. lanatum (P. Beauv.) B. & S. Old walls
at Silver End and at Manuden, 1962, v.c. 19; and from old wall
at Margaretting, 23rd September 1962, v.c. 18. This variety is
not uncommon and must have been overlooked, the variation is
possibly due to growth in a dry habitat.
Bryum donianum Grev. From railway embankment at
Thorpe-le-Soken station, 14th April 1962, v.c. 19.
Bryum obconicum Hornsch. From the railway arch over the
main road at Newport, January 1961, v.c. 19. I cannot do better
than to record Dr. E. F. Warburg's remark on B. obconicum:
"If it exists I will record it. It is much more distinct than most
plants so labelled. The whole question of obconicum wants re-
examination (not by me)".
Orthotrichum cupulatum Brid. From concrete wall by stream
below roadside near Helions Bumpstead, 1960, v.c. 19. It is of
interest to note here that all the members of the Orthotrichum
group that are still extant in Essex are species that are able to
grow on damp concrete, a further six species that grow only on
trees are all considered to be extinct in the county. Orthotrichum
affine has recently been found growing luxuriantly on a concrete
wall at Margaretting.