Ecology: Open or forested montane to páramo and puna; on soil and decaying logs. Elevation: 1800-4100 m (Ecuador: 2100-4100 m, Peru: 2600-3000 m, Bolivia: 1800-3500 m). Distribution: Tropical Andes and southeast Brazil.
Leptodontium araucarieti is characterized by the fluted stem epidermis (hyalodermis eroded) when viewed in cross-section, spreading-recurved leaves (dry) that are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate with a high sheathing base, reniform costa, with 1-2 ventral layers of stereid cells, and little bulging cells with scattered papillae over cell lumen. Leptodontium laxifolium Broth. is a synonym.
Leptodontium araucarieti se caracteriza por tener la epidermis del tallo acostillada (hialodermis erosionada) vista en corte transversal, hojas extendido-recurvadas (seco) lanceoladas a ovado-lanceoladas con la base envainadora alta, costa reniforme, con 1-2 ventral capas de estereidas, y células poco abultadas con papilas esparcidas sobre el lumen celular.