Frullania stylifera (R.M.Schust.) R.M.Schust. (Hepaticae), new to Eurasia

Abstract

Introduction. Frullania Raddi is one of the largest genera of liverworts, and the number of accepted names is still fluctuating as a result of ongoing revisionary work. Specimens, believed to be F. stylifera, an eastern North American endemic, had been collected in several remote regions in both the European and Asian parts of Russia. Methods. To confirm the identity of the Eurasian specimens they were compared morphologically with American material including the types of F. stylifera (holotype F!, isotype UBC!). DNA data were also obtained and compared from recent specimens collected on both continents, using two nucleotide markers ITS1-2 nrDNA and trnL-F cpDNA. Key results. Frullania stylifera, previously known as an endemic of Eastern North America, was proved to be present in the European and Asian parts of Russia. A detailed description, and discussion of its variability, ecology and distribution are provided, along with morphological and molecular distinctions from similar species. Conclusions. European and Asian specimens of F. stylifera are the same species as American ones according to molecular results, but show some morphological differences. However, both the shape and size of the perianth, the structure of the capsule wall and the size of spores are quite characteristic and rather stable in all specimens studied.