A COMPARISON OF FISSIDENS OBTUSIFOLIUS AND F. SUBLIMBATUS

Abstract

  Fissidens obtusifolius Wilson belongs to section Fissidens; it is distinguished from other American species in this section by its ovate to oblong leaves with rounded to broadly obtuse apices. This calciphilic species is endemic to North America, extending from lower Ontario south to Florida and westward to Utah and Texas. Fissidens obtusifolius var. apiculatus Grout is placed in the synonymy of F. sublimbatus Grout. The latter is allied with F. crispus from which it is distinguished by its elimbate to variably limbate and sharply apiculate leaves with dorsal laminae that narrow abruptly and end above the insertion. Fissidens sublimbatus is found typically on soil in the drier areas of western and southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Fissidens obtusifolius var. kansanus Renauld & Cardot and var. marginatus Flowers are subsumed under F. obtusifolius. Fissidens exiguus Sull. is placed in the synonymy of F. bryoides Hedw. var. pusillus (Wilson) Pursell.