Stems to 2 cm, sclerodermis lacking. Leaves ovate to elliptic, 0.3--0.6 mm, entire, apex rounded; leaf base not much differentiated in size and shape, not sheathing; costa ending below the leaf apex, rounded in section at midleaf, guide cells 2; distal laminal cells rounded-quadrate, 1:1, 2--(3-)stratose marginally or entirely.

Eroded mortarbed (cemented arkosic sand and gravel deposits) outcrops; Kan., Nebr.; known only from four localities in the region of the flora in the central High Plains. (Also Sonora, Mexico, Zander in ms.)

Molendoa ogalalensis is unusual in the genus in the distal laminal cells having walls of equal thickness both superficially and internally. Other species of the genus commonly have the superficial walls clearly thicker than the internal, though this is not a rule. The large papillae centrally placed on the lumen is reminiscent of Tuerckheimia, which, however, is acrocarpous and has acute leaf apices. Although M. ogalalensis is small and not easily recognized, the 2-stratose distal lamina, evenly thickened superficial and internal cell walls and lateral perichaetia are diagnostic. It has a stem central strand (contrary to the original description). Costal stereid cells are commonly absent (the abaxial band is occasionally present).