Bryophyte Flora Research Articles

Notulae to the Italian flora of algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens: 18

In this contribution, new data concerning algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens of the Italian flora are presented. It includes new records, confirmations or exclusions for the algal genera Chara and Tolypella, the bryophyte genera Pogonatum, Pseudephemerum, and Riella, the fungal genera Arrhenia, Arthonia, Buchwaldoboletus, Dacampia, Hebeloma, Inocybe, and Trechispora, and the lichen genera Aspicilia, Bellemerea, Cladonia, Hypotrachyna, Maronea, Parvoplaca, Polyozosia, Schismatomma, Solenopsora, Trapelia, and Zwackhia.

Urban bryophyte floras of Spain: a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction Bryophytes constitute an important part of the unmanaged plant diversity of urban areas. They represent, directly and indirectly, an important food, shelter and microhabitat-engineering resource allowing the establishment of other organisms, thereby increasing the biodiversity of urban areas. However, their contribution to urban biodiversity is generally overlooked and poorly understood. Methods In this study, we compared pre-existing data from 23 Spanish urban bryophyte floras and used taxon accumulation curves and ordination analyses to reveal emergent patterns related to urban biodiversity in Spain. Key results The compilation of these 23 floras revealed 286 bryophytes represented in urban areas in peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands, including 2.80% and 3.50% of taxa considered under some threat category at the European and Iberian scales, respectively. Taxon richness and diversity varied greatly across cities and were strongly affected by climatic characteristics and extension of the studied cities. Ordination analyses showed an alignment of the different floras with the geographical location of the cities. Eurosiberian (Atlantic) and eastern and southern cities showed a higher taxon richness compared with cities from central Spain, which showed taxon assemblies comprising the commonest and widespread taxa. We also found that taxon richness was influenced by methodological factors (i.e. sampling intensity and the time the study was done). Conclusions Our study results suggest a need for adequate sampling of habitat heterogeneity within the urban landscape and point to the contribution of bryological knowledge to our understanding of the biodiversity of urban areas.

Diphyscium mucronifolium (Bryophyta, Diphysciales, Diphysciaceae): una adición a la flora briófita de Assam (India)

Diphyscium mucronifolium (Diphysciaceae) is presently added to the bryophytic flora of Assam, India from Chandubi. The taxon has been identified as a distributional report based on morphological investigations. The species has often been confused with D. longifolium. The key diagnostic feature separating it from the D. longifolium is the presence of entire margins in leaf cells in D. mucronifolium. In D. longifolium, leaf margins are serrate or dentate with uni- or bi-dentations. The present study implies the range extension of this taxon.

Red-list of Italian bryophytes. 2. Mosses

The paper provides the first comprehensive, region-wide assessment of mosses, evaluated according to IUCN’s Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional Level. The IUCN Red List criteria were applied to 961 Italian moss taxa to assess their current extinction risk and to highlight the major threats affecting the Italian moss flora. Overall, 246 moss taxa assessed in this study are assigned to a risk category and, therefore, considered threatened in Italy, with a percentage of 28.6%. One species is considered Regionally Extinct and 15 species Possibly Extinct at regional level. A further 5.8% are categorized as Near Threatened, 10.6% as Data Deficient and 56.0% as Least Concern. Most threats are co-occurring, indicating that many taxa are subjected to a set of correlated adverse processes. The main IUCN major threats identified were Climate Change and Natural System Modifications (mostly dams and water management and use). Considering the overall Italian bryophyte flora, 330 taxa (246 mosses, 83 liverworts, and 1 hornwort) are considered threatened with extinction at Italian level (29.0% mid-point value), five species are classified as RE and 18 as CR(PE); moreover, 84 taxa are NT (6.6%) and 130 are considered as DD (10.3%).

New additions or interesting records to the bryophyte flora of Cape Verde archipelago

New additions or interesting records to the bryophyte flora of Cape Verde archipelago

Three bryophyte species new to türkiye and southwest asia

As a result of extensive bryophyte surveys across the different parts of the Karçal Mountain, Türkiye's first biosphere reserve area, Artvin region (Caucasus) in the East Black Sea region of Türkiye, Jungermannia pumila, Scapania uliginosa and Heterocladium flaccidum found as new to Türkiye. Moreover, these taxa are the first time reported for bryophyte flora of South-West Asia in this paper. Descriptions, illustrations, distributions, ecological characteristics, and comparisons with morphologically similar taxa were also provided. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 31(1): 25-32, 2024 (June)

High liverwort diversity in the tropical Andes as evidenced by the discovery of three new species of Radula (Radulaceae)

We describe three new species of Radula subg. Volutoradula from above 3000 m in the tropical Andes: R. ilkiuborgesiae from Colombia (Dept. Santander), and R. longicarinata and R. magna from Bolivia (Dept. La Paz). The new species stand out by the unusual shape of their lobules. Full descriptions, illustrations as well as comments on the morphology, taxonomy, ecology and distribution of the new species are provided. The discovery of the new species adds three further endemic taxa to the rich bryophyte flora of the tropical Andes, the richest area for Radulaceae in the Neotropics.

Notulae to the Italian flora of algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens: 17

In this contribution, new data concerning algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens of the Italian flora are presented. It includes new records and confirmations for the algal genera Chara and Nitella, the bryophyte genera Brachythecium, Didymodon, Fissidens, Physcomitrium, and Riccia, the fungal genera Biatoropsis, Cantharellus, Coprinellus, Dacrymyces, Inosperma, Nigropuncta, Urocystis, and Xanthoriicola, and the lichen genera Arthonia, Bellemerea, Circinaria, Lecania, Lecanora, Lecidella, Mycobilimbia, Naetrocymbe, Parmelia, Peltigera, Porpidia, Scytinium, and Usnea.

The Moss Flora of Maltepe University Central Campus (İstanbul-Türkiye)

This study focused on the bryophyte flora of Maltepe University Central Campus, with samples collected between March 2023 and March 2024. Approximately 150 moss samples were collected from the study area, and through taxonomic identification, a total of 42 moss taxa belonging to 10 families and 26 genera were identified. Among these taxa, 19 represent new records for the province of Istanbul.

The Bryophyte Flora of a Collapse Doline in Niğde (Türkiye)

In this study, the bryophyte flora of a collapse doline located in the steppe of Central Anatolia has been investigated. As a result of the identification of 365 bryophyte specimens collected from various habitats of doline, a total of 72 taxa (71mosses and 1 liverwort) belonging to 9 families and 24 genera are determined. Among them Didymodon icmadophilus is new for C13 grid-square. The most species-rich families in the study area are Pottiaceae (31 taxa), Bryaceae (13 taxa) and Grimmiaceae (11 taxa) respectively. While the widespread genera are Syntrichia (9 taxa), Didymodon (9 taxa), Ptychostomum (9 taxa) and Grimmia (6 taxa). Syntrichia ruralis, Weissia condensa, Didymodon vinealis and Orthotrichum cupulatum are the most common species in the study area.

Acaulon chilense Larraín & M.J.Cano (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta), a new species from central Chile

ABSTRACT Introduction During exploration of the central Chilean bryophyte flora over the past 10 years, especially during the wet winter months, a species of Acaulon was collected that did not match any of the known species of the genus. Here, we present our arguments for recognising these plants as a new moss species. Methods The new taxon was compared morphologically with the species of Acaulon currently recognised. In addition, most of the type material of the taxa attributed to this genus was studied. Key results and conclusions Acaulon chilense is described and illustrated as a new moss species from Chile. It is characterised by its reddish coloration, papillose distal laminal cells, costa with homogeneous cells, strongly thickened dorsal cell walls, spores less than 30 μm in diameter, and rhizoautoicous sexuality. The morphological similarities with closely related species are discussed. A distribution map of the new species is provided. This taxon is relatively common, appearing during the wet winter months in the Mediterranean climate areas of the lowlands of central Chile.

Species Composition of Bryophytic Flora along Altitudinal Gradient in Mt. Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines

A floristic assessment was conducted in Mt. Musuan Bukidnon, the Philippines – an isolated, low grass-covered andesitic lava dome and tuff cone. Two 50-m transect lines were established in each of the altitudinal gradients (350–400, 401–451, 452–502, 503–553, 554–604, and 605 + masl) in the mountain slope to sample the bryophyte communities. The study compared the bryophyte populations between six altitudinal gradients and analyzed their altitudinal distribution. Results revealed a total of 56 species of bryophytes belonging to 39 genera and 21 families. Of these, 39 are moss species with 29 genera and 16 families. Sixteen (16) species are liverworts with nine genera and four families. One hornwort was encountered. The greatest number of bryophytes were documented between 452–502 masl, whereas the fewest number occurred between 350–400 and 605 masl and near the summit. The two most abundant bryophyte species were Octoblepharum albidum Hedw. and Hyophila involuta (Hook.) A. Jaeger, which are widely distributed in all altitudinal gradients. The findings from this research will offer valuable insights that can promote the implementation of efficient management strategies and initiatives for conserving biodiversity across different altitudinal gradients. This is particularly vital because bryophytes are known to be highly susceptible to human- induced threats and the influences of changing environmental conditions.

Bryophyte Flora in Alpine Grasslands of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Based on Plot Sampling

The species number of bryophytes is the second highest among land plants. Alpine grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) are the largest among global alpine biomes. However, bryophyte flora in alpine grasslands on the QTP remains poorly explored relative to its large geographic extent. A total of 347 plots were surveyed across the QTP, and 149 bryophyte taxa in 24 families and 49 genera were recorded in alpine grasslands. The largest family was Pottiaceae, followed by Bryaceae and Brachytheciaceae. The most species-rich genus was Bryum, followed by Didymodon and Brachythecium. The dominant species were Didymodon tectorus, Didymodon fallax, Bryum caespiticium, Didymodon constrictus, and Didymodon ditrichoides. The Jaccard similarity indexes of bryophyte compositions between alpine meadow and alpine steppe at the family, genus, and species levels were 0.375, 0.367, and 0.282, respectively. Turf was the most common life-form (75.2%), followed by weft (16.1%) and cushion (5.4%). Endemic species to China accounted for 8.05% of the total taxa. Bryophyte diversity in alpine grasslands on the QTP is exceptional and irreplaceable. The changes in species composition and life-forms between different grassland types reflect the adaptations of bryophytes to harsh environments.

Updates to the species list of Estonian bryophytes

Six species are new to the flora of Estonian bryophytes since the last additions: Bryum ruderale, Entosthodonfascicularis and Plenogemma phyllantha have been found during recent fieldworks; Encalypta driva is a newly described speciesand Lewinskya fastigiata is a new taxonomical combination. Moerckia flotoviana replaces the species Moerckia hibernica sinceall herbaria specimens are re-identified. After additions and re-arrangements, the number of bryophyte species known fromEstonia has risen to 618. For all new species, Estonian names are given, and they are evaluated against IUCN criteria. Twoof the species were included in category DD, because of shortage of data; Lewinskya fastigiata was evaluated as LC, andEncalypta driva and Plenogemma phyllantha as VU. The IUCN category of Moerckia flotoviana remained as it was for Moerckiahibernica (LC).

The vascular and bryophyte flora of the Nature Monument Vrelo Une

During growing seasons 2018-2019 and in winter 2021, the flora of vascular plants and bryophytes of the Nature Monument Vrelo Une in southern Croatia was studied. The previous floristic data available for this area, covering 9.58 ha, are sparse, and this study recorded 219 taxa of vascular plants from 59 families. The species-richest families are Compositae (10.5%), Fabaceae (8.2%), Poaceae (7.8%), and Lamiaceae (6.4%). Additionally, 64 bryophyte species (14 liverworts and 50 mosses) were recorded. The spectrum of biogeographic elements of vascular plants places the study area in the Euro-Siberian region, at the meeting point of two vegetation sub-zones within the European broadleaf deciduous forests zone – thermophilic, sub-Mediterranean forests of the class Quercetea pubescentis and mesic forests of the class Carpino-Fagetea sylvaticae. The species of the South-eastern European and Illyrian elements give a local distinctiveness to the flora. The biogeographic elements of bryophytes are less sensitive but reflect the same biogeographical pattern. Since most of the researched area is covered by forests and thickets, the largest number of species of vascular plants are associated with these particular habitats, while rocks and aquatic habitats are the most important for bryophyte diversity. In terms of the IUCN categories, four species are classified as near threatened, three as least concern and three as data deficient. Invasive species have not been recorded.

Bryophyte flora of the Significant Landscape “Lower Kamenjak and Medulin Archipelago”(Istria, Croatia) with new and noteworthy national records

Bryophyte flora of the Significant Landscape Lower ”Kamenjak and Medulin Archipelago” in Istria (western Croatia) was studied from 2019 to 2021. The study resulted in a list of 14 liverwort and 60 moss taxa. Tortula pallida, Bryum gemmilucens, Microbryum davallianum var. conicum and Microbryum muticum are new national records. The prevalence of Mediterranean-Atlantic, temperate and southern-temperate chorotypes corresponds well with the biogeographical characteristics of the studied area. The turf life-form and colonist life strategy, predominantly represented by small Pottiaceae species, prevailed within the study. They mostly inhabited periodically moist soil of open habitats in olive groves, maquis and garrigues. This study aimed to address the significant lack of current data on bryophytes in coastal parts of Croatia.

Additional Bryophyte Taxa from the Cook Islands

It is evident that the bryophyte flora of the Cook Islands remains poorly documented. Here, ten moss species and five liverwort species of Lepidoziaceae are newly reported for the Cook Islands. These records include Calomnion denticulatum, previously known only from Samoa, Ectropothecium viridifolium, previously known only from Hawai’i, and Tricholepidozia quadriseta, previously known only from Australia. Also, thirteen new island records of mosses are reported for Outer Islands of the group and additional information is provided for some previously published reports.

Biomonitoring with bryophytes in managed forested areas. Three examples from the southern Italian Apennines

Three sites in the southern Italian Apennines were selected to assess correlation between forest structure and bryophyte flora. In two of the sites, the Index of Air Purity (IAP)–based on cover data of epiphytic bryophytes–was evaluated. The results show that bryophyte populations–and consequently IAP–are affected by forest structure and development, and that studies including different sites require a precise assessment of silvicultural characteristics to allow comparisons. Indicator values of mosses and liverworts were also taken into consideration in characterizing ecologically the three sites.

Bryophyte flora of Mount Tebu Forest Reserve, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia.

A checklist of the bryophyte flora of Mount Tebu Forest Reserve in Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia, is presented. A total of 189 taxa in 71 genera and 26 families were enumerated. This figure represents 63% of the 298 bryophyte species recorded so far for the State of Terengganu. Out of 189 taxa of bryophytes, 26 liverworts are new additions to the bryoflora of Terengganu. The most prominent liverwort family is represented by Lejeuneaceae, with 54 species from 17 genera, while the moss family is the Sematophyllaceae, with 34 taxa in 13 genera. The majority of the species are epiphytes, either corticolous or ramicolous. Almost half of the bryophyte species have wider elevational ranges and occur from the lowlands to the summit of Mount Tebu.

The bryophyte flora of Aydın Mountain

This study was planned and completed to reveal the bryophyte flora of the Aydın Mountains. A total of 268 bryophytes were identified from the research area, of which 216 taxa belong to Bryophyta, 51 taxa belong to Marchantiophyta and one taxon belongs to Anthocerotophyta. Acaulon mediterraneum Limpr. has been recorded for the second time for Turkish bryophyte flora. Among liverworts, Riccia (17 taxa), and among mosses, Didymodon (13 taxa), Tortula (13 taxa), Grimmia (12 taxa), Syntrichia (12 taxa), Orthotrichum (11 taxa), Ptychostomum (10 taxa), Fissidens (9 taxa) and Lewinskya (7 taxa) were found as the richest genera. In addition, different habitats in Aydın Mountains and bryophytes representing these habitats were determined, as well. The study of a large mountain range which was not known for bryophytes in Western Anatolia has filled a significant gap in this area.