A REVISION OF THE GENUS LEPTOPTERIGYNANDRUM (BRYOPSIDA, LESKEACEAE)

Abstract

  Leptopterigynandrum C. Müll. is a pleurocarpous moss genus consisting of ten species [L. austro-alpinum C. Müll., L. autoicum Dix. ex Gangulee & Vohra, L. brevirete Dix. in Blatter & Fernandez, L. decolor (Mitt.) Fleisch., L. incurvatum Broth., L. piliferum S. He, sp. nov., L. stricticaule Broth., L. subintegrum (Mitt.) Broth., L. tenellum Broth., and L. tenuicaule (Williams) S. He, comb. nov.]. It is characterized by the densely verrucose leaf cells, multi-rows of quadrate alar cells, double, often forked costae, subjulaceous to julaceous leafy stems, and reduced hypnoid peristome (cross-striolation and cilia absent). The generic placement in the Leskeaceae ratherthan its traditional placement in the Thuidiaceae is supported.