Fissidens linearis Brid. var. linearis

Stems simple or branched, with rhizoids at base of stems, or on prostrate stems where in contact with soil, and occasionally at base of branches. Leaves oblong-lanceolate, 0.8–1.4 × 0.18–0.30 mm; apex acute; vaginant laminae mostly ≥½ leaf length.

Predominantly synoicous, but many other sexual conditions occur. Spores 8–18 µm.

Scott & Stone 1976, pls 7–9 (pro parte, as F. humilis); Catcheside 1980, fig. 21 (as F. humilis); Stone 1990, figs 2, f–x, 3 (as F. aeruginosus var. arcuatulus); Beever et al. 2002, p. 42, figs 1–5.

On soil and occasionally on rock in shaded sites, in indigenous forests and coastal scrub. This variety is particularly abundant as pure dense swards on bare shaded soil under a forest canopy in seabird colonies, as on the Poor Knights Is and Kermadec Is. Moss associates recorded include Fissidens blechnoides and Hypnodendron spininervium. This variety has been found from near sea level to c. 480 m (Waipoua Forest Sanctuary, N Auckland L.D. and Puaiti Bush, S Auckland L.D.).