*1: Near Penzance,
1863, WC (OXF) (Paton 1969a:
717).
*2: Gunwen Moor,
Bodmin, 1891, RVT (B) (Paton 1969a:
717).
Grows mostly as patches and cushions on steep to
horizontal surfaces of granitic or gabbro rock, mainly where
unshaded (occasionally in moderate shade). Less often on slate
or firm shale lithologies, once on old tarmac. Occurs on tors
and other outcrops, boulders, rocks in old walls and 'hedges',
old quarries and their spoil heaps, rocky mine-spoil, and
occasionally on sheltered slopes of sea-cliffs, masonry debris
and grave-stones. Infrequently recorded as epiphyte in
Cornwall, with two recent records on old Gorse stems, one on
Hawthorn, one on Grey Willow branch, one on rotting branches
beside a pool. Nine other records from decorticated wood
(including a fence, fence post, ancient window frame in
building, an old field gate, structural wood of river bridge
and on burnt tree-trunk lying in field). Not usually much
intermixed with other species, but closer associates often
include Grimmia
trichophylla, Hedwigia stellata, Racomitrium
heterostichum. Single record of large patches on old
tarmac of cemetery path, near Ceratodon purpureus
and on wood of fence with same species.
Commonly c.fr.: capsules immature 1-3, 10-12;
dehiscing 1-4, [5], 12; dehisced 2-7-10.