Wilson’s pouchwort is a leafy liverwort found in wooded ravines where there is both constant high humidity and reasonable light levels. It is found as stems growing through other bryophytes, the collective name for mosses and liverworts, or in lax cushions on rocks subject to intermittent irrigation. It is often found growing with other Atlantic liverworts and Wilson’s filmy fern. Although no confirmed records exist for Applecross, some of the native woodland areas do provide suitable habitats, and associated species such as Wilson’s filmy fern have been recorded here.
Capsules containing the spores are only produced rarely and in the autumn, and the lichen appears to have no specialised means of vegetative spread. These factors will both serve to limit dispersal.
In Britain this species is restricted to the west coast of Scotland and the three core areas of its distribution are southern Argyll, the Sunart and Moidart area, and southern Skye. Specific threats to the species may come from afforestation, as shade is cast over ravine edges, and encroachment from rhododendron, although anything which increases shade levels or lowers humidity levels could be detrimental to the population.
In Europe Wilson’s pouchwort is not found on the mainland only on the oceanic fringe, with sites in the Faroes, western Ireland, the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands.
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