New Bryophytes for Colorado

Abstract

Mnium ambiguum H. Miill., M. andrewsianum Steere, and M. trichomanes Mitt. are reported from Colorado, and their known ranges thereby significantly extended. The moss genus Mnium has been known in Colorado by the species M. arizonicum, M. blyttii, M. cuspidatum, M. lycopodioides, M. marginatum, M. medium, M. orthorrhynchum, M. pseudopunctatum, M. punctatum, M. punctatum var. elatum, and M. rugicum (Grout 1940). In connection with cytotaxonomic studies of the genus (Bowers 1966), three species previously unknown for the state have been discovered, namely M. ambiguum, M. andrewsianum, and M. trichomanes. These additions are of a considerable phytogeographic significance, widely extending the known distribution of the species. The specimens cited were collected in 1963 to 1965, and they are preserved in the University of Colorado Museum. MNIUM AMBIGUUM H. Mill. The distribution of forms referable to this species has previously been limited to two localities in the United States: Rockland County, New York, and Bergen County, New Jersey (Grout 1903). The species also occurs in Europe (Miiller 1866). The present Colorado collections were all made above an elevation of 8,500 feet and they represent the first report of the species from the southern Rocky Mountains. Perhaps the species has been overlooked in North America and, if definitely searched for, will be found better represented than the present literature indicates. COLORADO. GRAND CO.: West St. Louis Creek, Fraser, Bowers bb-553. Berthoud Pass, Bowers bb-556. W of Berthoud Pass on U.S. 40, Bowers bb-559. EL PASO CO.: Pike's Peak, W of Colorado Springs, Bowers bb-624. MNIUM ANDREWSIANUM Steere. This taxon is distributed throughout Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. It is also reported for Michigan (Mazzer & Sharp 1963). The Colorado collections constitute the second report from the United States outside of Alaska and the first report from the southern Rocky Mountains. The closest known locality is at the edge of the tundra near Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefields, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada (Steere 1958). Dr. W. C. Steere suggested to me that this species be looked for at high altitudes in Colorado, and collections were subsequently made at altitudes from 8,500 to 11,300 feet. This report extends the range to a new southern limit in western North America. The Colorado specimens differ from the typical M. andrewsianum only in being more robust. COLORADO. GRAND CO.: West St. Louis Creek, Fraser, Bowers bb-185. Berthoud Pass, Bowers bb-554. W of Berthoud Pass on U.S. 40, Bowers 1 Department of Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado. Present address: Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.255 on Wed, 25 May 2016 06:37:29 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 1966] BOWERS: BRYOPHYTES FROM COLORADO 369 bb-557. LARIMER CO.: Poudre Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Bowers bb-194. BOULDER CO.: Jenny Lake, Rollins Pass, Bowers bb-194. MNIUM TRICHOMANES Mitt. The distribution of forms referable to this species has previously been limited to two localities in the United States: Florida (Lowry 1948) and Illinois (Andrews 1959). It is widespread in Asia (Noguchi 1960). The Colorado specimens are the first report from the southern Rocky Mountains. It has probably been overlooked in North America and Europe. COLORADO. DOUGLAS CO.: Jackson Creek Road, 11.5 mi from the junction of Colorado 105, Bowers bb-200. Jackson Creek Road, 10 mi from the junction of Colorado 105, Bowers bb-204.