A GENERIC REVISION OF THE ENTODONTACEAE
1980 Volume 48 Pages 71-159
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1980 Volume 48 Pages 71-159
The Entodontaceae, as defined by Brotherus in the second edition of Engler and Prantl's Die natürlichen Pflanzenfamilien, are heterogeneous both in terms of gametophytic and sporophytic characters. The family, therefore, presents a good group on which to test the hypothesis of gametophytic plasticity within a conservative, sporophytically defined line of evolution.
Extensive observations using both light and scanning electron microscopes focused on detailed peristomial morphology. The data were scored and coded for use in a computer-assisted Similarity-Graph Clustering program and for preparation of a Wagner-Tree. In addition, an attempt was made to understand trends in diplolepideous peristomial evolution, with special emphasis on the hypnoid peristome. Evidence indicates that the peristome of the Entodontaceae is derived from the generalized type found in the Hypnaceae and related families.
At least within the Entodontaceae, the hypothesis of sporophytic conservatism is valid. The family is interpreted as being derived from an African, hypnoid ancestor. The Entodontaceae are defined by leaves with a short, double costa and well-differentiated alar cells. The capsules are erect with a double peristome inserted well below the mouth. The exostome teeth consist of relatively broad, striate to papillose plates mostly joined along a straight center line; on the back surface the lamellae are non-projecting. The genera included in the Entodontaceae are Entodon, Mesonodon (= Campylodontium), Erythrodontium and Pylaisiobryum.
Trachyphyllum is transferred to the Thuidiaceae; Entodontella is moved to the Plagiotheciaceae, Levierella to the Fabroniaceae, Pterigynandrum to the resurrected Pterigynandraceae, Rozea and Pseudoscleropodium to the Brachytheciaceae, Nanothecium, Orthothecium, Plagiotheciopsis and Bryosedgwickia to the Hypnaceae, and Pleurozium and Orontobryum to the Hylocomiaceae. The genera included in the Entodontaceae, and those excluded from the family, are described and illustrated.
