<i>Orthotrichum cupulatum</i> Hoffm. ex Brid. var. <i>lithophilum</i>, a new variety of epilithic bristle moss from Tasmania

Abstract

<i>Orthotrichum cupulatum</i> var. <i>lithophilum</i> is described as a new variety from Tasmania, Australia. The species is primarily characterized by its exserted capsule with cryptoporous stomata, a single peristome with 16 exostome teeth, a bistratose lamina of stem leaves, and a densely hairy vaginula. Molecular data and a brief discussion comparing the newly described variety with the most closely related taxa are also provided. Molecular analyses based on complete plastome sequences clearly separated var. <i>lithophilum</i> from the typical form by 272 molecular diagnostic characters specific for <i>Orthotrichum cupulatum</i> var.<i> lithophilum</i>. The distinctiveness of the new taxon was also confirmed by plastome phylogenomics, which confirmed the monophyly of the new variety and its sister relationship to <i>Orthotrichum cupulatum</i> var. <i>cupulatum</i>.