Bryoerythrophyllum sollmanianum (Pottiaceae), a new moss species from the Sino-Himalayan region

Abstract

Bryoerythrophyllum sollmanianum J.A.Jiménez, M.J.Cano & Shevock is described and illustrated as a new species from the Sino-Himalayan region of China, Nepal and India. The species is corticolous, and easily distinguished from all its congeners in having stems with cluster of deciduous flagellate branchlets. Additionally, it is characterized by its lingulate leaves with apiculate apices, plane and regularly dentate margins above midleaf, costa ending below the apex, papillose basal cells that are not differentiated from the upper cells, and a rudimentary peristome. Its distinction from, and relationships with, similar species within the genus are discussed. Distribution of the new species is mapped.