Hypnum planum Bridel, Muscol. Recent., suppl. 2: 97. 1812

Plants in thin to dense mats. Stems with branches 0.2-2 cm. Leaves sometimes with lateral leaves spreading and dorsal and ventral leaves appressed, contracted, smaller; supra-alar cells few to many, subquadrate, in 1 or 2 rows, often 1 row extending up margin. Specialized asexual reproduction by filamentous gemmae. Perigonia and perichaetia on stems or base of branches. Capsule with exostome teeth 16, subulate, striolate; endostome basal membrane medium to high, segments equal to and alternating with exostome teeth, cilia 1-3, appendiculate. Calyptra smooth. Spores spheric, 12-22 µm, smooth to finely papillose.

Capsules mature late summer. Tree bark, exposed roots, rotten logs; low elevations; Fla.; Mexico; West Indies; Central America; South America; Asia; Africa; Australia.