Summary

Introduction: This article provides a detailed analysis of the spore morphology andultrastructure of Alophosia azorica (Renauld & Cardot) Cardot, a Macaronesian endemic mossof the family Polytrichaceae, reviews its morphological characters, and clarifies its life strategy. Methods: The specimens used in this study came mainly from the bryophyte sections of theherbaria of the University of the Azores (AZU) and the University of Lisbon (LISU), with freshsamples also collected in the field. Observations were made and measurements taken of thestem, leaves, rhizoids, capsule and setae, for comparison with published reports. Sporophytes from five specimens of Alophosia azorica were separated to study sporemorphology using light and scanning electron microscopy. Key results and conclusions: The specimens investigated in this study exhibited the typicalcharacteristics assigned to the species in previous studies. The examined spores areisomorphic monads, heteropolar with a subcircular amb, spheroidal in polar view, convex-plane in equatorial view, with psilate exospore and presence of a perispore withmicroechinate ornamentation, and are very small. Alophosia azorica is considered a colonistsensu stricto due to its small, abundant spores, the production of sporophytes across twoseasons, and the presence of asexual propagules, indicating a moderate reproductive effort.