Revision of the Plagiothecium cavifolium complex (Bryophyta: Plagiotheciaceae)

Abstract

In the Northern Hemisphere, Plagiothecium cavifolium is currently one of the most widely distributed species. This taxon has been described as extremely variable for decades, but the reasons for this variability have not been investigated in detail. The analysis of original materials and diagnoses, as well as a detailed analysis of the history of names considered as synonyms of P. cavifolium sensu lato, showed that in terms of qualitative and quantitative characteristics, a number of the names of this complex differ significantly from the diagnosis of Hypnum cavifolium (basionym of P. cavifolium). The most important features distinguishing individual taxa include: julaceous stems; imbricate leaves, their symmetry, concavity; serration of leaf apices; the length of the cells from the middle part of the leaf; and the orientation of the capsules. Thus, the research conducted within P. cavifolium sensu lato made it possible to distinguish seven separate taxa: P. cavifolium (= P. cavifolium sensu stricto), P. flaccidum, P. tenue (being a new combination), P. ikegamii, P. subjulaceum, P. sakuraii and P. otii (four resurrected species). In addition, the analysis of original materials and the diagnosis of several taxa allowed them to be excluded from the described complex, and here we propose their synonymization with other taxa, such as P. longisetum and Hygrohypnum luridum. Photographic documentation and a key to distinguishing species within the described complex are attached. For two names (P. sakuraii and P. succulentum var. longifolium) lectotypes are proposed.