Identification notes
This species is very close to P. succulentum, and they can be difficult to distinguish. It is possible that they are not really distinctly different species, but we are currently recording them separately. It is a moderately robust plant with flattened shoots comprised of symmetrical leaves with a short double nerve. It is generally of a duller green colour than P. succulentum but the main distinction relates to the size and arrangement of the leaf cells.
Convincing material of P. nemorale can often be named in the field with a x20 hand lens. The cells are 4-6 times as long as wide and tend to be aligned together in rows radiating across the leaf, with the ends of the cells forming a zig-zag line, looking rather like the scales on the wing of a butterfly or an interference pattern. This can be seen on the image of a single leaf below. In cases of uncertainty, microscopic examination can be helpful, but the only other character that might be useful is the presence of a few small teeth near the apex, which are not always present.
Like P. succulentum, it tends to grow in shaded humus rich habitats, particularly in woodland.
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