Orthotrichum rugifolium Hooker, Musci Exot. 2: plate 128. 1819

Plants reddish brown to dark brown. Stems 0.2-0.8 cm. Stem leaves oblong to oblong-ligulate, rugose, 1.4-1.6 mm; margins entire; apex abruptly apiculate; costa short-excurrent; distal laminal cells rounded-quadrate, 5-9 µm. Seta 2.5-4 mm. Capsule 1.7-2.2 mm. Calyptra papillose distally.

Logs, trunks of trees frequently above 3 m, branches in tree canopies; low elevations; Ala., Fla., Ga., La., Miss., N.C., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va.; Mexico; West Indies; Central America; South America.

Schlotheimia rugifolia is distinguished by its rugose, abruptly apiculate leaves. Characteristically, the plants have a dark reddish brown color, which is best developed under xeric conditions.