Octoblepharum benitotanii (Octoblepharaceae) a new species from the Old World Tropics

Abstract

Octoblepharum benitotanii Salazar Allen & Chantanaorr., a new species of Octoblepharum from the Old World tropics, is described and illustrated based on specimens from Thailand and Timor. Taxonomic affinities and information on habitat and distribution are discussed. This is the fourth species of Octoblepharum described for Asia besides O. albidum, O. arthrocormoides, and O. pocsii and, not counting O. depressum, whose type specimen has not been found and thus its status is doubtful. Octoblepharum benitotanii is distinguished by its narrow, elongate, tumid, long acuminate leaves and peristome with eight foveolate-reticulate teeth.