Studies in the liverwort genus Fossombronia (Metzgeriales) from southern Africa. 7.F. capensis var. spiralis, a new variety from Western Cape

Abstract

Fossombronia capensis S.W. Arnell var. spiralis Perold, var. nov. from Western Cape is described. It is distinguished from the typical variety by a suite of characters, the most obvious being the strong spirals in the elaters. In F. capensis var. capensis the spirals are weak except for two Arnell collections in which they are quite strong. Subtle differences in spore ornamentation are then, perhaps, the most definitive character to separate the two varieties.