Ecology: Puna; probably on soil. Elevation: Unknown, but probable above 3000 m. Distribution: Endemic to the tropical Andes; Argentina, and probably southern Bolivia.

      Bryum maceratum is provisionally included for Bolivia, the species was certainly collected by Lorentz near the border of Argentina and Bolivia. This species is apparently related to B. argenteum. According to Ochi (1980) this species differs by its robust size, leaves to 1.4 mm long, to 0.8 mm wide, the hyaline area more restricted to the upper ca. 1/4 of the leaf, upper leaf cells large, 60-80 mm long, 16-18 mm wide. A further difference noted by Ochi (1980) is that the exothecial cells of Bryum maceratum are in 4-5 rows, whereas in B. argenteum they are in about 10 rows. Further collections are required to determine the nature of this species and its relation to B. argenteum.

Keys from Ochi (1980).

1. Leaves bordered … B. ellipsifolium

1. Leaves not bordered … 2.

2. Capsules nearly erect … B. insolitum

2. Capsules horizontal to pendulous … 3.

3. Capsules nearly horizontal to nutant; operculum apiculate; common & widespread, at all elevations, … B. argenteum

3. Capsules pendulous; operculum weakly apiculate (ne Argentina, s Bolivia)… B. maceratum