Coscinodon monchiquensis R.D.Porley, Ochyra & Ignatova (Grimmiaceae), a new species from the Algarve, southern Portugal

Abstract

Coscinodon monchiquensis is described as a new species from the Serra de Monchique in the western part of the Algarve region in southern Portugal. It differs from the widespread C. cribrosus in having only slightly plicate leaves (in the latter species the leaves are usually strongly plicate to the base), a weakly recurved leaf margin in the proximal ⅓ and very fragile and markedly fenestrate peristome teeth which fall away after dehiscence giving the mature capsules a gymnostomous appearance. In cases where C. cribrosus has only weak plications to mid-leaf, the plane leaf margin at once separates it from C. monchiquensis. The affinities of C. monchiquensis are discussed, and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the nrITS region indicates its sister position to all other congeners. A key to the determination of European members of Coscinodon and similar taxa is given.