A taxonomic study of Syntrichia laevipila (Pottiaceae, Musci) complex

Abstract

A taxonomic study of Syntrichia laevipila and S. pagorum has been carried out. A morphological description and distribution data of S. laevipila are provided. Three lectotypes for Syntrichia laevipila, Barbula laevipila var. meridionalis and Tortula laevipilaeformis are proposed. After studying the type material of the S. laevipila and S. pagorum complex and samples from numerous localities throughout the world, we conclude that S. laevipila and S. pagorum are the same taxon and that the typical forms in which it is found are simply the extremes of its wide morphological range. In this way, the different varieties described for S. laevipila are really different transitional states between both taxa. For this reason, Barbula laevipila var. meridionalis, Barbula pagorum, Tortula laevipila var. notarisii and Tortula laevipila var. wachteri are included in the synonymy of Syntrichia laevipila. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London.