Taxonomic identity of Chionoloma bombayense (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta)

Abstract

Chionoloma bombayense (Müll. Hal.) P. Sollman (Pottiaceae) has a long and complex taxonomic history. Recently it was viewed as a species with over 50 synonyms and considered the only species of the genus Pseudosymblepharis Broth., and later as Chionoloma Dixon, in Asia and Africa. Some phylogenetic studies have now suggested that more than one species could be recognized within C. bombayense. Here, in order to complement these molecular data, a morphological analysis is carried out. The concept of the species is significantly reduced, it is considerably more restricted in distribution and several names previously applied to this taxon need to be resurrected. Therefore, we present a complete description of the species, an updated distribution map and illustrations of the diagnostic characters. A lectotype for Trichostomum perannulatum Dixon & P. de la Varde is designated herein.