Trolliella Herzog, a new synonym of Pylaisia Schimp. (Pylaisiaceae, Bryophyta) and Pylaisia euendostoma (Herzog) Frank Müll., Jan Kučera & S.He, comb. nov.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Trolliella euendostoma Herzog is the single species of a monospecific genus and we know of no molecular study since its description and we know of only one report since its discovery. Therefore, we decided to compare a recently collected Myanmar specimen with the type material deposited in JE and obtain molecular data from the new material with which to explore the phylogenetic affinities of this species. Methods: In addition to a morphological examination, an analysis of ITS and trnF–trnS sequence data from the newly collected Myanmar specimen of Trolliella euendostoma was carried out. Phylogenetic affinities were assessed using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses. Results and discussion: Molecular affinities and morphological features of Trolliella euendostoma suggest that the species should be excluded from the Sematophyllaceae and transferred to Pylaisia Schimp. in the Pylaisiaceae. Consequently, we propose the new combination Pylaisia euendostoma (Herzog) Frank Müll., Jan Kučera & S.He, select the lectotype for T. euendostoma, and additionally synonymise Pylaisia kunisawae (Ando) Ochyra (≡ Pylaisiella kunisawae Ando) with P. euendostoma.