Three sibling species of the Conocephalum conicum complex have been reported in Japan; J-type, F-type and S-type (the latter two were formerly named as a FS- and S-type, respectively). In this study, we report their chromosome numbers and karyotypes for the first time. Both male and female plants of the three species had the same chromosome number and karyotype [K (n)=9=5V+2J+j+m]. The m-chromosomes are much smaller than the others and thus difficult to detect. This is the possible reason why there had been several different reports on the chromosome numbers of Conocephalum conicum, i.e., n=8 or 10.

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The relationship between soil properties and distribution of vegetation along a transect crossing a stream in the Yukidori Valley, Antarctica, was investigated. Soil properties were characterized by cluster analysis at the middle part of the stream bed and the left and right banks. The middle part was characterized by a higher ratio of clay content, water content, water holding capacity (WHC), electric conductivity(EC), total carbon and total nitrogen, and a lower pH than was found in the banks. The vegetation, composed of a moss Bryum amblyodon and algae, was found only at the site with higher WHC caused by higher ratio of clay content. The amount of total carbon and total nitrogen was high at the bare site adjacent the vegetation, but the effect of the vegetation on pH and EC of the soil was thought to be very low, because of lower decomposition rates caused by the low temperature in this area. In Antarctica, the ratio of clay content was thought to decide not only the physio-chemical soil properties, but also the distribution of vegetation through WHC.

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A collection of the Hepaticae and Anthocerotae made by T. Makino was studied and 85 species were here reported. It included many specimens collected in the central area of Tokyo about 100 years ago; they are of great value in studying the drastic change of natural environment in the metropolis during this century. In the collection were found such epiphytic species as Frullania osumiensis, F. parvistipula, Macvicaria ulophylla, etc., and such terrestrial species as Chiloscyphus polyanthos, Jungermannia atrovirens, Lejeunea japonica, Mannia fragrans, Phaeoceros parvulus, etc.; they have not been found in the area in many decades. A biographical sketch of Tomitaro Makino (1862-1957) and Kiichi Miyake (1876-1964)was also given to show their activities in the early time of Japanese bryology.

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Three unreported species of the genus Lejeunea were recently found in Japan, namely, L. exilic, L. sordida and L. umbilicata. They occur on mid-slope to summit areas of Minami-Iwo Island of the Iwo (Volcano) Islands, northwestern Micronesia. L. sordida is also found on Chichijima Island of the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands. Based on the Japanese plants, descriptions, figures and notes are provided. Additionally, a key to the species and a synopsis of the genus Lejeunea in Japan are given.

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