*1: Connor Downs, 1862, WC (PNZ)
(Paton 1969a: 715): presumably this species not D.
flexicaule.
*2: Rock near St
Minver, 1871, RVT (CGE) (Paton 1969a: 715):
presumably this species not D.
flexicaule.
Frisvoll (1985) recognised D.
gracile as a distinct species from D.
flexicaule s. str.; Smith (1993) revised British
herbarium material. Only D.
gracile
has been recorded for Cornwall (see note above);
since D.
flexicaule s. str.
might yet be found, older records
from prior to revision by Smith (1993) are placed as the s. l. unless specimens have been revised recently.
Mainly or exclusively a calciphile of coastal
sites. Locally plentiful on substrates of calcareous sand in
fixed dunes and dune-grassland, in areas with very short and
open turf or herb and moss cover, often forming extensive
patches. At edges of paths in longer grassland on dunes.
Mainly in unshaded places, but persisting locally under edges
of bushes that have colonised dune grassland. Also growing
over calcareous blown sand on open grassy hillsides near
dunes. Associates commonly include Barbula convoluta, Bryum spp., Pleurochaete
squarrosa, Tortella
flavovirens, Trichostomum crispulum
and various small grasses and herbs (e.g. Aphanes, Cerastium), also
occasionally Didymodon
acutus.
Less typical records: At landward edges
of Upton Towans on thin sand layers (5 mm or more) overlying
old concrete, and colonising silty and clayey substrates near
concrete works at edge of dunes; at Gear Sands, extending
locally onto banks of soil on calcareous mine-spoil among
stable dunes. Only record away from dunes or blown sand was
NE. of Cape Cornwall, in small quantity on soil of slope close
to coast and to old mines.
Not seen c.fr. [Smith 1993: 46 was unable to
confirm any British records of this sp. with
capsules].
