Loeskeobryum Brotherus in H. G. A. Engler and K. Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. ed. 2. 11: 482. 1925.
For the German bryologist and journalist Leopold Loeske, 1865--1935, and Greek bryon, moss
J. R. Rohrer
Plants prostrate to ascending-arcuate; growth sympodial [sometimes monopodial]. Stems irregularly branched to regularly 1--2-pinnate; paraphyllia abundant, branched from a 1--2-seriate base into 1-seriate prongs. Stem leaves spreading to squarrose-recurved, ovate to broadly ovate from a broadly cordate clasping base, moderately plicate, sometimes rugose in acumen, not decurrent; margins serrate to serrulate; apex gradually acuminate to abruptly pinched into a slender, slightly channeled acumen; costa double, weak or extending to 1/2 leaf length; cells smooth; alar cells not differentiated. Branch leaves spreading, ovate to elliptic-lanceolate, slightly or not cordate clasping. Capsule inclined to horizontal; operculum stoutly rostrate from conic base; exostome teeth irregularly cross-striolate proximally on exterior surface; endostome segments with broadly elliptic perforations along keel.
Species 3 (1 in the flora): temperate regions, e North America, Mexico, West Indies (Dominican Republic), Central America (Guatemala), Eurasia, n Africa.
The paraphyllia of Loeskeobryum closely cover the stem and can be inconspicuous at low magnification. They are distinctly smaller than those of Hylocomium, with which Loeskeobryum is often lumped. Morphologically the three species of Loeskeobryum show greater overall similarity to those of Rhytidiadelphus (J. R. Rohrer 1985a).
