Abstract
The molecular variation (atpB–rbcL spacer, rpl16 G2 intron, trnGUCC G2 intron) among 50 Scandinavian specimens of Meesia uliginosa s.l. was analysed in the context of three other Meesia species, with Paludella squarrosa as outgroup. The molecular variation within M. uliginosa correlates with morphology, and shows that three species exist: M. uliginosa Hedw., M. minor Brid. and M. minutissima Hedenas sp. nov. Whereas M. uliginosa s.str. is widespread, in Scandinavia the other two species are restricted to the mountains. The three species differ in quantitative features, such as, plant size, leaf size, costa width, leaf apex shape, seta length and spore capsule size. Because the species overlap in several of these features, a combination of seta length and the ornamentation of the exostome outside are the safest characters for identification. Leaf apex shape, small spore capsules in M. minutissima and large spores in M. minor serve as additional identification help. Meesia minutissima is presently only known from Scandinavia. The other two species are more widespread, although further investigations are required to find out their exact distributions.
Highlights
BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research
The molecular variation among 50 Scandinavian specimens of Meesia uliginosa s.l. was analysed in the context of three other Meesia species, with Paludella squarrosa as outgroup
In connection with a study of northern and mountain intraspecific genetic variants within widespread species (Hedenäs 2019), it became evident that the genetic variation within Meesia uliginosa Hedw. correlates with morphological differentiation and deserves further study
Summary
BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research. The molecular variation within M. uliginosa correlates with morphology, and shows that three species exist: M. uliginosa Hedw., M. minor Brid. Is widespread, in Scandinavia the other two species are restricted to the mountains. Small spore capsules in M. minutissima and large spores in M. minor serve as additional identification help. The other two species are more widespread, further investigations are required to find out their exact distributions. During many years of fieldwork in northern and mountainous Scandinavia, I have come across several species which variation suggests that they may consist of more than one species. In connection with a study of northern and mountain intraspecific genetic variants within widespread species (Hedenäs 2019), it became evident that the genetic variation within Meesia uliginosa Hedw. The license permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
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