The bryophyte flora in the urban area of Aydin (Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, the bryophyte diversity and urban bryophyte flora of the city of Aydin was investigated. Research area was divided into three zones and nearly 500 bryophyte specimens were collected in 13 representative stands. One hundred and twenty three moss species belong to 22 families and 78 genera, 22 liverwort species belong to 14 families and 19 genera and one hornwort species were found in the area. Fossombronia echinata and Crossidium crassinerve which were recently recorded from Turkey were collected from the area as a second distributional locality. Tortula muralis, Didymodon vinealis, Grimmia pulvinata, Bryum argenteum and Orthotrichum diaphanum are the most common species found in the city center where high pollution exists. The protected areas in the city centre such as gardens, cemeteries, school yards etc. are necessary in order to protect of bryophytes. These areas are important to provide various habitats to small organism like bryophytes. © 2009 Asian Network for Scientific Information.