About Lophocolea heterophylla (Schrad.) Dumort.
Commonly called the variable-leaved crestwort, Lophocolea heterophylla has pale green, translucent leaves. Leaf shape changes along the stem: leaves at the base of the stem are bilobed, while leaves further up the stem are either notched or completely smooth with no notches or lobing. Shoots can reach up to 3 millimeters wide, and individual leaves are no larger than 1.5 millimeters in both width and length. The plant produces a strong scent. In the British Isles, the variable-leaved crestwort is most common in southern Britain, particularly in England. It can be found as far north as Inverness, and also occurs on the Isle of Man and in parts of the Republic of Ireland. This species grows mostly on tree bases, and can also be found growing on fallen wood, soil, leaf litter, and roots. It occurs in most types of woodland, and ancient woodland is a key habitat for it in western and northern Britain.
