Some new and noteworthy bryophytes from Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei) forests of north-eastern New South Wales

Abstract

Bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, hornworts) are an abundant and conspicuous component of the World Heritage Gondwana Rainforests of Australia which comprise several discontinuous areas of subtropical forests and woodland along the Great Escarpment of north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland. The Gondwana Rainforests are considered to be of exceptionally high conservation value, with more than 200 rare or threatened plant and animal species but, surprisingly, no mention is made of bryophytes in the statement of outstanding universal values. Recent studies in Werrikimbe and Willi Willi National Parks using bryophytes as fine-scale indicators of rainforest condition, have identified a number of unusual and interesting bryophytes including the moss Rosulabryum epiphyticum (Bryaceae), Leptodontium viticulosoides, (Pottiaceae) and several endemic species of Macromitrium (Orthotrichaceae) The moss Fissidens thorsbornei (synonym: Nanobryum thorsbornei) (Fissidentaceae) and the liverwort Lejeunea gracilipes (Lejeuneaceae), are reported as new records for New South Wales.