Ecology: Open montane to páramo; exposed humid to rather dry sites, on soil. Elevation: (200)2200-4850 m (Venezuela: 2700-3500 m, Colombia: 2650-4100 m, Ecuador: 2700-4000 m, Peru: 200-4300 m, Bolivia: 2200-4850 m). Distribution: Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia to Bolivia.
Leptodontium brachyphyllum is distinguished by the fluted stem epidermis (hyalodermis eroded) when viewed in cross-section, erect-appressed leaves (dry) that are ovate-lanceolate with a short sheathing base, reniform costa (outline) with 1-2 ventral layers of stereid cells, and with 1-2 ventral layers of stereid cells, and little bulging cells with scattered papillae over cell lumen.
Leptodontium brachyphyllum se distingue por tener la epidermis del tallo acostillada (hialodermis erodada) vista en corte transversal, hojas erecto-adpresas (seco) ovado-lanceoladas con la base envainadora corta, costa reniforme (contorno) con 1-2 capas ventrales de estereidas, y células abultadas con papilas esparcidas sobre el lumen celular.