Amblystegium varium

Amblystegium varium, (Hedw.) Lindb.

Amblystegium varium is a pleurocarpous moss which as the name suggest can be very diverse in size, shape, and even habitat. It can be found in dry secondary forest and in wet areas of the gorges. It often grows in tufts and branches irregularly. Leaves are lanceolate with smooth margins and has a  noticeable costa, which always extends to or beyond mid-leaf. Leaves are fairly spaced apart, when wet they spread away from the stem revealing this characteristic (Image 3).

Capsules are extended above the moss on a long seta. Capsules when dry are highly curved, yellow, and contracted at the mouth appearing like a macaroni noodle. The lid of the capsules are conical in shape.