pleurocarpous moss A type of moss in which archegonia, and hence capsules, are borne on short, lateral branches, and not at the tips of stems or branches. Pleurocarpous mosses are usually monopodially branched, often pinnately so, and tend to form spreading carpets rather than erect tufts. Compare ACROCARPOUS MOSS.

pleurocarpous moss A type of moss in which the female sex organs (archegonia) and capsules are borne on short, lateral branches, and not at the tips of branches. Pleurocarpous mosses tend to form spreading carpets rather than erect tufts. Compare acrocarpous moss.