Ecology and distribution. At elevations from 460-4200 m (Venezuela: 460 m, Colombia: 2800 m, Ecuador: 3450-4200 m, Bolivia: 1300-1500 m).
Weissia controversa, rare throughout the Andes, is distinguished by leaves most to 2.5 mm long, narrow costa, ca.. 25-60(70) µm wide at leaf base, and autoicous sexual condition. Weissia jamaicensis is a larger species, with leaves most 3-4.5 long, broader costa (80 µm or more), and dioicous sexual condition. This is a typical “weedy” species, often of disturbed sites at least in North America, however Trichostomum tenuirostris appears to occupy a similar niche, at least in Bolivia.