Moss Genus Research Articles

Boreal moss-microbe interactions are revealed through metagenome assembly of novel bacterial species

Moss-microbe interactions contribute to ecosystem processes in boreal forests. Yet, how host-specific characteristics and the environment drive the composition and metabolic potential of moss microbiomes is still poorly understood. In this study, we use shotgun metagenomics to identify the taxonomy and metabolic potential of the bacteria of four moss species of the boreal forests of Northern Québec, Canada. To characterize moss bacterial community composition and diversity, we assembled the genomes of 110 potentially novel bacterial species. Our results highlight that moss genus, species, gametophyte section, and to a lesser extent soil pH and soil temperature, drive moss-associated bacterial community composition and diversity. In the brown gametophyte section, two Stigonema spp. showed partial pathway completeness for photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, while all brown-associated Hyphomicrobiales had complete assimilatory nitrate reduction pathways and many nearly complete carbon fixation pathways. Several brown-associated species showed partial to complete pathways for coenzyme M and F420 biosynthesis, important for methane metabolism. In addition, green-associated Hyphomicrobiales (Methylobacteria spp.) displayed potential for the anoxygenic photosystem II pathway. Overall, our findings demonstrate how host-specific characteristics and environmental factors shape the composition and metabolic potential of moss bacteria, highlighting their roles in carbon fixation, nitrogen cycling, and methane metabolism in boreal forests.

On the moss genus Gomankovia from the upper permian of the Russian platform

On the moss genus Gomankovia from the upper permian of the Russian platform

Taxonomical status of Andreaea clavata var. tenuior Broth. (Bryophyta, Andreaeaceae)

The moss genus Andreaea Hedwig (1801:47) (Andreaeaceae Dumort., Bryophytina Engl.) is found growing on acid and neutral rocks in cool temperate to subpolar environments, as well as in the high altitude mountains of tropical and subtropical regions (Murray 1988). The genus include between 15 and 20 species in the Andean region (Churchill et al. 2020) with many taxa still poorly known. Andreaea clavata Broth. (in Herzog 1916:10) is only know from two collections, one from Bolivia and one from Peru (Hermann 1976; Menzel 1992).

Species Delimitation in Sciadocladus (Pterobryellaceae, Bryophyta)

Sciadocladus is a distinctive genus of large dendroid mosses restricted to New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. Of the two extant species, S. kerrii is endemic to New Zealand, while S. menziesii is found in New Zealand, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. Populations of S. menziesii from New Caledonia and the Solomons have been recognised as subspecies splendidum, distinct from the New Zealand populations. Given the geographical isolation of the two subspecies of S. menziesii, we hypothesised that the endemic S. kerrii could have arisen in situ in New Zealand through speciation from S. menziesii subsp. menziesii. This would make these two taxa more closely related to each other than S. menziesii subsp. menziesii is to S. menziesii subsp. splendidum, challenging the species concept of S. menziesii. We tested this hypothesis by conducting a phylogenetic analysis of molecular data from multiple exemplars of Sciadocladus, including material from both New Zealand and New Caledonia. The results show all specimens of S. menziesii strongly supported as monophyletic, sister to a clade comprising S. kerrii specimens, thus rejecting the hypothesis and corroborating the established taxonomy. Implications for interpretation of the phylogeographic history of the genus are discussed.

Ctenidium multiseriatum S.He & M.K.Thomas (Bryophyta: Myuriaceae), a new moss species from Maui, Hawai’i

ABSTRACT Introduction The moss genus Ctenidium (Schimp.) Mitt. comprises approximately 23 species worldwide, of which two are known to exist in Hawai’i. Based on recent molecular studies, the genus has been reclassified into the family Myuriaceae, departing from its traditional classification in the Hypnaceae. Plants newly collected from Maui exhibit most characteristics of Ctenidium but differ from all known species within the genus by a combination of several critical characters detailed in this study. Consequently, we propose the classification of this moss as a new species of Ctenidium. Methods The material was studied in Hoyer's solution, using standard microscopical and photomicrographical techniques. Key results and conclusions Ctenidium multiseriatum S.He & M.K.Thomas is described as a new species from Hawai’i and distinguished from all known Ctenidium species by a combination of distinctive characters including multiseriate paraphyses, clearly prorate laminal cells at both the upper and the lower ends, shorter median and upper laminal cells, ecostae perichaetial leaves with subentire margins, irregularly subpinnately branched stems, and foliose pseudoparaphyllia.

Grimmia shevockii and G. insolita, two new species endemic to California

ABSTRACT Introduction California is a biodiversity hotspot for bryophytes, and its northern counties are among the most endemic-rich areas for bryophytes in North America. Having 29 species in California, Grimmia Hedw. is the third richest moss genus in the state, but recent fieldwork suggests that this number is an underestimate. The identity of some specimens endemic to the Klamath Mountains of California and previously identified as G. brevirostris R.S.Williams remains unclear, and they potentially represent a new species. Two further specimens of Grimmia from Siskiyou County, California, do not correspond to any species described so far. Here we present morphological and phylogenetic arguments for recognising these plants as two new moss species in the genus Grimmia subg. Orthogrimmia Schimp. Methods Morphological characters across potential new species were reviewed and compared with those of related species. Phylogenetic analyses based on the plastid trnS–trnF and nuclear ITS regions were conducted. Key results and conclusions The molecular and morphological analyses revealed two new species of Grimmia for California, which are described and illustrated: G. shevockii J.Muñoz, I.Solano & D.Quandt and G. insolita J.Muñoz, I.Solano & D.Quandt. The former is resolved in a monophyletic clade with high support, whereas the latter has incongruent positions in the plastid and nuclear phylogenies, thus it is hypothesised that it could have a hybrid origin. Both of the two new species and G. hamulosa undoubtly pertain to Grimmia. The richness of the bryophyte flora of California provides a clear warrant for future research.

The family Calymperaceae (Bryophyta) in Australia. Part 5: The genus Syrrhopodon

Twenty species of the moss genus Syrrhopodon Sw. ex F.Weber are known from Australia. Each species is described and illustrated in detail, and a key to species and distribution maps are provided.

Pilotrichella (Bryophyta: Lembophyllaceae) in Mexico

Pilotrichella, a genus of epiphytic mosses comprising 6 species and 1 form, is represented in Mexico by P. flexilis(Hedw.) Aongstr., P. flexilis fo. nudiramulosa (Müll. Hal.) B. H. Allen & Magill, P. mauiensis (Sull.) A. Jaeger, and P. reesei B. H. Allen & Magill. The last species is known from a single specimen. The Peruvian P. vermiformis B. H. Allen & Magill is reported here as new to Mexico from Hidalgo, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. In total, 260 specimens deposited at MEXU served to illustrate, map, and discuss the basic morphology of the local taxa.

Rhynchostegiella menadensis (Sande Lac.) E.B. Bartram and R. scabriseta (Schwagr.) Broth.: two new records of mosses (Brachytheciaceae: Bryophyta) for peninsular India

Rhynchostegiella menadensis (Sande Lac) E.B. Bartram and R. scabriseta (Schwagr.) Broth. are the two species in the moss genus Rhynchostegiella from the family Brachytheciaceae, previously known only from northern India, is now recorded for the first time from peninsular India. They are described in detail along with a photoplate.

Early taxonomic history of the moss genus Anacamptodon and a lectotype for A. splachnoides (Amblystegiaceae)

Early taxonomic history of the pleurocarpous moss genus Anacamptodon Brid. is reviewed and its familial placement is discussed. A specimen from the Bridel Herbarium (B-Bridel) is designated as the lectotype of Orthotrichum splachnoides Froel. ex Brid., the basionym of its generitype A. splachnoides (Froel. ex Brid.) Brid. It was collected in June or July 1811 by Josef Aloys von Frölich in Ellwangen (Jagst) in the historic, linguistic and cultural region of Swabia in the east of the state Baden-Württemberg in south-western Germany. He recognised it as a new species on the herbarium label and sent the material to S. E. Bridel in Gotha, Germany, then the great authority on moss taxonomy, who described it as a new species in his Muscologiae recentiorum supplementum seu Species muscorum Pars 2 in 1812. Duplicates of the original specimens of this species have been located in the Herbarium Tubingense (TUB) and in the Hedwig/Schwagrichen Herbarium (G) which are isolectotypes. Moreover, Frölich consulted the identity of this moss with Olof Swartz in Stockholm, Sweden, and four original specimens of A. splachnoides are present in his personal herbarium at S.

Association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in moss with blood biomarker among nearby residents in Portland, Oregon.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are air pollutants that are costly to measure using traditional air-quality monitoring methods. We used an epiphytic bio-indicator (moss genus: Orthotrichum) to cost-effectively evaluate atmospheric deposition of PAHs in Portland, Oregon in May 2013. However, it is unclear if measurements derived from these bioindicators are good proxies for human exposure. To address this question, we simultaneously, measured PAH-DNA adducts in blood samples of non-smokers residing close to the sites of moss measurements. We accounted for individual determinants of PAH uptake that are not related to environmental air quality through questionnaires, e.g., wood fires, consumption of barbecued and fried meats. Spearman rank correlation and linear regression (to control for confounders from the lifestyle factors) evaluated the associations. We did not observe evidence of an association between PAH levels in moss and PAH-DNA adducts in blood of nearby residents (e.g., all correlations p≥0.5), but higher level of adducts were evident in those who used wood fire in their houses in the last 48 hours. It remains to be determined whether bio-indicators in moss can be used for human health risk assessment.

BRYOCRUMIA VIVICOLOR, A RHEOPHYTIC, HYPNACEOUS MOSS, NEW TO THE WESTERN HIMALAYAS, INDIA

The Indian Himalayan sector is well known to support the diversified bryophyte species and communities due to varied phytoclimatical conditions met within different dissected topographical zones. Many potential wilderness areas are still waiting to be explored in terms of their exuberant bryodiversity. During a bryoexploratory survey of an unexplored high-altitude area in the Garhwal Himalayan region, we came across an interesting rheophytic moss Bryocrumia L. E. Anderson. The genus Bryocrumia is represented in India by two species, viz. B. vivicolor (Broth. et Dixon) W. R. Buck and B. malabarica Manju, Prajitha, Prakashkumar et W. Z. Ma. Both of these pleurocarpous species are known to be confined in the southern part of the country. From the Indian Himalayan sector, this moss genus has never been documented earlier. Recently, B. vivicolor has been reported for the first time from the Tungnath area (2,100–3,000 m above sea level) in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state as a new addition to the Western Himalayan moss flora, indicating its new distributional range. This hypnaceous moss was found colonising the slopy, wet, submerged rock surfaces along small streams and seepages in mixed oak forests on way to Tungnath. The key characteristics include its rheophilic habit, stem lacking central strand, variable leaf forms, indistinct double costa and round to obtuse leaf apex with prorate tip cells. The present paper provides taxonomic details of this rare moss, representing its wide geographical distribution in India.

Four Remarkable Additions to the Biodiversity of Chinese Mosses.

Four species of moss genus Schistidium are reported for the first time from China. All of them have been found in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Ecological and distributional details of the newly recorded species are provided and their local distribution is mapped. Photographs of the species are attached. Checklist of Schistidium species and identifying key are added. Considering the present records, Schistidium consists of 15 species in China.

The family Calymperaceae (Bryophyta) in Australia. Part 4: The genus Calymperes

Fifteen species of the moss genus Calymperes Sw. ex F.Weber are known from Australia. Each species is described and illustrated in detail, and a key to species and distribution maps are provided.

Algaria overbergensis Hedd. & R.H.Zander, a new moss species from the Overberg Rûens Shale Renosterveld system of the Southwest Cape, South Africa

ABSTRACT Introduction The moss genus Algaria currently comprises a single species known only from the type locality. During recent bryological surveys of remnant Overberg Renosterveld patches, plants were collected that clearly belong to this genus but differ from the only known species in several critical respects. Here, we describe these as a new species. Methods Specimens were rehydrated in the laboratory, dissected, and mounted in Hoyer’s solution or polyvinyl alcohol–glycerine. Observations and measurements were made using standard stereo and compound microscopy. Spore anatomy was further investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Key results and conclusions Algaria overbergensis Hedd. & R.H.Zander is described as a new species currently known from only three localities in Overberg Rûens Renosterveld. It is readily distinguished from its only congener (Algaria natalieae Hedd. & R.H.Zander) by its rounder capsule with a domed to conical operculum, epapillose calyptra, much larger spores, and truncate leaves with a narrower border of elongate cells.

A review of the genus Glyphomitrium Brid. (Rhabdoweisiaceae, Bryophyta) in the Russian Far East

ABSTRACT Introduction The diversity of the moss genus Glyphomitrium Brid. is concentrated in East Asia. Its range extends to the southern part of the Russian Far East, where its species are rather widespread in hemiboreal coniferous forests. However, the species to which Russian specimens should be assigned remains unclear. Methods A morphological survey was conducted, along with a molecular phylogenetic study based on the plastid trnS–trnF and nuclear ITS regions. Of the three lineages identified, two were investigated using species distribution modelling. Key results For two of three revealed lineages, the use of the names Glyphomitrium crispifolium Nog. (previously considered to be a rare Japanese endemiс) and G. humillimum (Mitt.) Card. are suggested, whereas the third one, which combines excurrent costae of stem leaves and subulate acumina of the perichaetial leaves, is described as a new species, G. ambiguum Fedosov. In Russia, G. crispifolium is mostly associated with the cooler and more humid climate of hemiboreal forests, whereas G. ambiguum occurs in drier conditions in broadleaved forests. Although the niches of G. crispifolium and G. ambiguum were assessed as being rather similar, their ranges overlap weakly. Conclusions Our results suggest the presence of three species of Glyphomitrium at the northern limit of its distribution in Asia. Results of niche distribution modelling show that the two species’ distributions depend on different predictors, and thus this tool appeared helpful for integrative taxonomic purposes. By contrast, the results of the niche similarity/divergence test were inconclusive.

Neckera, Forsstroemia and Alleniella (Neckeraceae, Bryophyta) redefined based on phylogenetic analyses

Phylogenetic relationships of species within the pleurocarpous moss genus Neckera s.l. (Neckeraceae) are reconstructed based on three genomic regions: the plastid rps4-trnT-trnL-trnF cluster and the rpl16 group II intron, as well as the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2). The phylogenetic reconstruction suggests numerous taxonomic changes within the Neckeraceae. Two unispecific Asian genera are described as new: Taiwanobryopsis to accommodate Neckera warburgii, and Indoneckera to accommodate Neckera himalayana. Seven of the other “Neckera” species, all distributed in Asia, are transferred to Forsstroemia, and a further four Asian species to Taiwanobryum. Six Southern Hemisphere or tropical species (one from New Zealand, one from Africa, four from South America) are transferred to Alleniella. After these adjustments, Neckera becomes a northern hemisphere, mainly temperate, genus of c. 10 species that are absent from the tropics. It is in this context morphologically characterized by lack of paraphyllia (except N. californica) and an absent or weak costa. Alleniella has two species—the first diverging lineages—in the northern hemisphere, but the rest of the currently 15 species are distributed in the southern hemisphere and most of the species occur in mountain habitats in the tropics; it is however absent from tropical Asia and very scarce in Asia in general. Twelve of the 15 species have paraphyllia, which is the clearest morphological distinction from Neckera. Forsstroemia with 19 species, heavily concentrated in Asia, is the largest genus in the Neckeraceae. Clearly longer and more distinct costa distinguishes the genus from Neckera and Alleniella. Taiwanobryum is a morphologically heterogeneous Asian genus of nine species. Neckera decurrens Broth. is synonymized with Forsstroemia fauriei and Neckera valentiniana Besch. with Alleniella ehrenbergii.

New insights into the moss genus Vetiplanaxis with a description of V. obtusus sp. nov. from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber, Myanmar

Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that during the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution (KTR) around 125–80 Ma, the rapid rise and radiation of angiosperms probably triggered the diversification of mosses and substantial changes of their lineage composition. However, moss fossils which could substantiate these findings are generally rare in the Cretaceous. In this study, we investigate several sterile gametophyte fragments of mosses preserved in mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber from Myanmar. We describe a new sterile shoot as Vetiplanaxis obtusus sp. nov. (Hypnodendrales), make an emended description of V. pyrrhobryoides Bell based on additional fossil materials, and identify a linear-lanceolate leaf as V. cf. longiacuminatus Hedenäs et al. We confirm again the presence of geminate teeth in leaf margin of the above three species studied here, and report the presence of hair-like rhizoids in stem. The phyllotaxis in the species of Vetiplanaxis with complanate shoot is explained as pseudo-tetrastichous, really octostichous, formed by two right-handed Fibonacci spirals. Our findings provide new insights into the circumscription of the Cretaceous moss genus Vetiplanaxis, and add new evidence to indicate that there was a diverse pleurocarpous moss flora in the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber forest of Myanmar.

Heterogeneous genetic structure in eastern North American peat mosses (Sphagnum)

Abstract Bryophytes generally have broad geographical ranges that suggest high dispersal ability. The aim of this study was to test hypotheses about dispersal limitation, as indicated by isolation by distance, in four spore-producing species of the moss genus Sphagnum (Sphagnum carolinianum, Sphagnum missouricum, Sphagnum macrophyllum and Sphagnum pylaesii) and to assess whether plants in the southern USA harbour high levels of unique alleles and/or other indicators of exceptional genetic diversity. Isolation by distance was detected in all four species, but regional patterns of genetic structure were very species specific. Northern and southern genotype groups were detected in S. carolinianum and S. missouricum, but in S. pylaesii plants from the Adirondack Mountains of New York were genetically distinct from others to the north and south. One species, S. macrophyllum, exhibited differentiation between northern and southern genetic groups that appeared to reflect more ancient phylogenetic diversification.

Notes on the Bryophytes of Madagascar 5: New Records from Old Collections

Investigations into the bryophyte flora of Madagascar as part of the MadBryo project, show that five moss genera (Actinodontium Schwägr., Aulacopilum Wilson, Forsstroemia Lindb., Haplohymenium Dozy & Molk., and Herzogiella Broth.) are new for the island. For three additional taxa we clarify the correct name to use for Malagasy specimens. Ectropothecium perrieri Thér. is placed in synonymy with Herzogiella cylindricarpa (Cardot) Z.Iwats. and Lepidopilum diversifolium Renauld & Cardot is reduced to a synonym of Thamniopsis utacamundiana (Mont.) W.R.Buck. These particular cases highlight the hidden diversity lurking within underutilized natural history collections. They should also serve as a reminder that older collections need to be critically reexamined as our taxonomic concepts evolve.