Specialized asexual reproduction as very large, oval gemmae in axils of distal leaves. Sporophyte absent in range of flora.

Rock, usually limestone, or soil/humus, from 50--400 m; endemic to B.C., N.W.T.; Alaska.

The massive, dark gemmae occuring usually one per leaf axil are easily visible under the dissecting microscope and rival the leaves in size. Although the leaf apices of var. gallinula are ovate and somewhat cucullate, lacking an apiculus, certain undoubted var. convoluta specimens match them; thus the axillary gemmae are needed for sure identification.