Tortella xanthocarpa

Tortella xanthocarpa belongs to the moss family Pottiaceae, a group known for its small, often acrocarpous growth forms. The species is distinguished by its yellowish to reddish capsule coloration, which is reflected in its specific epithet 'xanthocarpa,' derived from the Greek 'xanthos' (yellow) and 'karpos' (fruit). This moss is part of the Tortella genus, which includes numerous species found in a wide range of habitats, often in dry or disturbed environments. The species was formally published in 1902 by the bryologist Brotherus, building upon the earlier contributions of Schimp. ex Müll.Hal.