ESSEX   BOTANY   AND   MYCOLOGY  GROUPS 

Metzgeria (temperata) consanguinea Schiffn.                                                  Whiskered Veilwort

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This species was only split  from the aggregate Metzgeria fruticulosa in 1976, when it was initially named M. temporata Kuwah. It is now considered to be conspecific with the prior named Javan M. consanguinea. The other segregate: M. violacea (Ach.) Dumort. differs in having thalli that turn progressively deep blue in colour on extended drying. Both have attenuated thallus tips which accumulate rounded to club-shaped gemmae. Those of M. violacea extend all round the tip, but those of M. consanguinea are confined to the lateral margins. [see illustration below]. It is said to produce antheridia and archegonia in the U.K. but has not been seen with sporophytes. Although first recorded in 1995, and probably much more widespread than the records indicate, M. violacea, which was first recorded in Essex in 1994, seems to have overtaken it in abundance. Both are found predominantly on Willow species and Elder, but have also been found on Oak. Neither had ever  been recorded in Essex prior 1994 and are believed to be so sensitive to S0₂ that they were exterminated before bryophyte recording began in the county. M. consanguinea is said to prefer slightly more acidic bark than M. violacea in which case it is puzzling that it is not doing as well as the latter in Essex.