Rustwort - Nowellia curvifolia

The shoots of this species are usually red with green tips, 0.5 to 1 mm wide and bear concave leaves with two long curved teeth that come together in a pincer like shape. The individual leaves are often less than 1 mm square. The plant can form striking red mats on suitable logs but may lack its red coloration altogether in shady sites.

On rotting logs. Occasionally on tree trunks in western areas or peat in uplands.

All year.

Very common in western districts.

Scarce.