A proposed reclassification ofBryum, AnomobryumandBrachymenium(Musci, Bryaceae)

Abstract

Abstract The traditional generic classification in the Bryoideae (Bryaceae) is based primarily on details of the sporophyte, particularly peristome reduction and capsule inclination. Recent research, however, has suggested that closely related species in Anomobryum can have very distinct capsules, varying from complete peristomes and inclined capsules to reduced peristomes and erect capsules. The suggestion is made here that sporophyte features, especially those related to peristome features, may obscure phylogenetic relationships. A revised classification is proposed, based on analyses of 100 species of Bryum, Anomobryum, and Brachymenium and sixteen sporophytic and gametophytic characters. The revised classification groups species with similar gametophores but is supported by at least some sporophytic characters. Analysis of variance and principal components analysis indicate that both the traditional and revised classification provide effective summaries of the variation within the 100 species examined...