Abstract:

Three species from Fildes Peninsula,Antarctica belonging to the genera Schistidium Brid. were observed under SEM.They are S. hyalino cuspidatum;S. rivulare;S urnulaceum . The leaf surfaces,the leaf cells and the morphological characteristic of the sporophyte were reported in detail. A key for the genus, and short historical notes on the taxonomy of all species,have been provided.Habitat and distribution data for each species together with full lists of all specimens examined are also given. The length of the seta varies from 0 2mm to 0.5mm, perichaetial leaves in Schistidium are mostly similar to the vegetative leaves in shape, but often longer, wider and have longer hair points. Symmetric, obovate to oblong ovate capsules are common in three species of Schistidium. The character of operculum falling with the columella in Schistidium is the most significant features in separating the genus from all species of Grimmia that have opercula falling detached from the columella.