Southern Marsh Orchids

Southern Marsh Orchids

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Llandaff Cathedral

During an amble around Llandaff Cathedral yesterday a total of 29 species of bryophyte were noted on the walls, masonry and between the cobbles. The list included two noteworthy calcicoles, Curving Feather-moss Scorpiurium circinatum and Shady Beard-moss Didymodon umbrosus, both in the more humid habitats around the base of the cathedral walls. Unfortunately I never took any photos in situ, but for the record below is a pic of Shady Beard-moss taken under the microscope.
Perhaps the most prominent species was Common Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha subsp. ruderalis, which was abundant between the cobbles at the base of the building along with other species of general interest such as Rigid Beard-moss Didymodon rigidulus, Spiral Extinguisher-moss Encalypta streptocarpa and Wavy Beard-moss Didymodon sinuosus.  A more methodical search would certainly produce a longer list and maybe a few more surprises.

5 comments:

  1. There's a good variety of lichens in the garveyard at Llandaff Cathedral too - despite having the book by Dobson on lichens I haven't found the time to get into them yet! What do you use to take the photos down your 'scope? I've got a camera that I can fit into mine, but it takes dreadful pictures compared to yours!

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  2. I just hold my phone to the eye piece

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  3. Unfortunately I must be the only person in the UK whose phone is just that, a phone but not a camera! I obviously need to get a bit more tech savvy!

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  4. These mobile phone cameras seem to be ideal for taking photos down microscopes,with a small lens, tucked away out of harms way and no delicate, exterior moving parts to damage while lining it up with the eyepiece... oh and they take good photos too!

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  5. Interesting stuff Barry. I've never looked for bryophytes at the cathedral, although it's only about a mile from my house. I'm still very much a beginner anyway and probably wouldn't have spotted, or been able to identify, most of the species you mention.

    George

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