Studies of fissidens (Bryophyta: Musci) in New Zealand: Section amblyothallia

Abstract

The moss genus Fissidens Hedw. Section Ambylothallia Mu11.Hal. is revised for New Zealand. Three species and two varieties are recognised: F. asplenioides Hedw., F. pallidus Hook.f. & Wilson, F. oblongifolius Hook.f. & Wilson var. oblongifolius, F. oblongifolius var. capitatus (Hook.f. & Wilson) Hook.f. & Wilson, and the new combination F. oblongifolius var. hyophilus (Mitt.) J.E.Beever & I.G. Stone. Descriptions and illustrations are provided, with comments on distribution and ecology. A key is given to distinguish the taxa and to separate them from F. taxifolius Hedw., with which several have been confused. Brief notes are given on the distribution of these taxa in Australia, and a new combination is made for a variety known only from Australia, Fissidens oblongifolius var. palmerstonensis (I.G.Stone) J.E.Beever & I.G.Stone. © 1998 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.