A Synopsis of Orthotrichum s. lato (Bryophyta, Orthotrichaceae) in China, with Distribution Maps and a Key to Determination

Abstract

A total of 46 species and two varieties of the traditionally interpreted genus Orthotrichum are currently known to occur in China. They represent five genera, including Orthotrichum (29 species), Lewinskya (14 species and two varieties), and Nyholmiella and Leratia that are represented by a single species each. The fifth genus Florschuetziella, also consisting of only one species, F. scaberrima, is an entirely neglected representative of the China’s moss flora. A list of all accepted taxa is presented and for each taxon all literature records and herbarium specimens are enumerated for provinces in which they have been recorded, and their distribution is mapped. A key to determination of Chinese orthotrichalean mosses is presented. A chronological list of 63 species and varieties and two designations, O. catagonioides and O. microsporum which have never been validly published, reported from China in the years 1892–2020 is presented. Four species, Orthotrichum brasii, O. hooglandii, O. elegans and O. gymnostomum are excluded from the bryoflora of China and Lewinskya affinis var. bohemica and Orthotrichum schimperi are recorded for the first time from this country. Phytogeography of the Chinese taxa of the orthotrichalean mosses is considered and they are grouped into eight phytogeographical elements and five sub-elements.

How Does the pH of Tree Bark Change with the Presence of the Epiphytic Bryophytes from the Family Orthotrichaceae in the Interaction with Trunk Inclination?

“…The research was conducted in the summers of 2019 and 2020. Bryophytes from the family Orthotrichaceae were chosen as a model group of organisms, with regard to their frequency in the studied area and because they grow mostly epiphytically [ 42 , 67 ]. All deciduous trees were searched for bryophytes.…”

“…In addition, we compare the results with a neutral cover of the bark itself without bryophytes. We chose the family Orthotrichaceae as a model group of organisms with regard to their frequency in the studied area and their mostly epiphytical growth [ 42 ].…”

Tea plantations and their importance as host plants and hot spots for epiphytic cryptogams

“…Due to the fact that detailed research of epiphytic bryophytes was performed only on the area of tea plantations, we do not have relevant data available for comparison with the species diversity of bryophytes growing in other communities in the area. However, the observations in other regions show that the diversity of mosses growing epiphytically on old solitary trees, terrestrially on open soil or on the surface of stones along plantations is significantly lower 6,19,108 . This is mainly due to influence of the microclimatic conditions.…”

“…In addition, while O . stramineum was for long time considered to be a European species, it has been identified in North America 45 , 106 and later in China 108 .…”

“…Similarly, while O. stramineum has been reported only from the northern part of the country so far 100 , it was repeatedly observed in the southwestern part of the country in the present study. In addition, while O. stramineum was for long time considered to be a European species, it has been identified in North America 45,106 and later in China 108 . The vertical distribution of cryptogams of tea shrubs has not been the subject of research so far.…”