Plants: in thin to dense mats. Stems: with branches 0.2–2 cm. Leaves: sometimes with lateral leaves spreading and dorsal and ventral leaves appressed, contracted, smaller; supra-alar cells few to many, subquadrate, in 1 or 2 rows, often 1 row extending up margin. : Specialized asexual reproduction rare, by filamentous gemmae. Perigonia: and perichaetia on stems or base of branches. Capsule: with exostome teeth 16, subulate, striolate; endostome basal membrane medium to high, segments equal to and alternating with exostome teeth, cilia 1–3, appendiculate. Calyptra: smooth. Spores: spheric, 12–22 µm, smooth to finely papillose. Phenology: Capsules mature late summer.
Tree bark, exposed roots, rotten logs. low elevations. Fla., Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia. Discussion.