Note the finely papillose, or botryoidal, texture of the oil bodies. Angular gemmae from plants in the Black Butte collection, imaged at 400x phase 2. Gemmae are usually 2 to 4 cells, and have a cuboidal to somewhat star-shaped form. A single gemma from plant in the Black Butte collection, imaged at 1000x oil, phase 2. Gemmae from plants in the Red Mountain collection, imaged at 200x phase 2.
Gemmae are frequently wine red to dark brick red.
Gemmiferous stem tips are visible as distinctly red patches at the tip of individual stems with a 10x hand lens. A search for Anastrophyllum minutum requires considerable logistical planning and exertion to attain the base of remote north-facing mountain cliffs where late snowmelt and perennial seepage occur. Searching a likely site for this species involves particular attention to dark recesses and crevices, narrow dimly lit crags, and the undersides of large overhangs. Reaching deep into fissures in the rock beyond the lighted opening may reveal to the touch a fine damp pad of tightly packed plants. Care should be taken at this point to pinch just enough of the turf to make a preliminary determination.