Anacalypta starckeana var. brachyodus Bruch & Schimper, Bryol. Europ. 2: 47. 1843; Pottia arizonica var. mucronulata Wareham; P. starckeana var. brachyodus (Bruch & Schimper) Müller Hal.

Stem leaves very shortly mucro-nate. Capsule stegocarpous, peristome absent or rudimentary. Spores smooth or tuberculate.

Capsules mature late winter or early spring (Jan-Mar). Soil; low to moderate elevations (0-700 m); Ariz., Calif.; sw Asia; n Africa.

Variety brachyodus has a rudimentary peristome (as an irregular proximal membrane) or the peristome absent. The capsule mouth is commonly oblique and constricted when dry, and the costa is only shortly excurrent as a mucro (M. starckeanum var. starckeanum has short awns).