The Genus Plagiothecium Schimp. (Plagiotheciaceae, Bryophyta) in Eurasia: An Annotated Checklist with Distribution and Ecological Data

Abstract

An annotated checklist of the pleurocarpous moss genus Plagiothecium in Eurasia is presented for the first time based on a thorough review of the literature. Data have been compiled from previous relevant works conducted on the genus over more than 70 years and published up to the end of June 2020 for 107 Eurasian countries (and islands). Sectional classification is based on molecular phylogeny of the genus published recently. A total of 41 taxa are reported, including 29 species and 12 infraspecific taxa (nine varieties and three forms) belonging to eight sections. The highest numbers of taxa were found in China (20 taxa), the Russian Federation (20 taxa) and Japan (18 taxa), while the smallest numbers of taxa were recorded in the Middle East, Central Asia and the islands area. Not a single species of Plagiothecium was recorded in 26 regions, whereas P. denticulatum, P. nemorale and P. cavifolium turned out to be the most widespread species in the entire study area. They were recorded in most of the surveyed countries and islands. For each accepted taxon, information on relevant literature, synonyms, distribution within Eurasia and globally are provided. Comments on each taxon, ecological preferences, and notes on doubtful records are also included. Additionally, distribution maps for each recognised taxon are supplied. This checklist can enlighten and foster a better understanding of the distribution, diversity, and ecology of Plagiothecium in Eurasia and provides an incentive for future research on the genus.

Plagiothecium talbotii, a new species from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, U.S.A.)

“…However, for example, the size and appearance of the turf; the lack of shrinkage and leaf shape, i.e. their concavity and serration and the shape of the decurrent angular cells differentiates this species from P. talbotii ( Wolski et al 2021b ).…”

“…The shape of the decurrent angular cells is one of the most important features that divide the taxa of this genus into individual sections ( Wynns et al 2018 ; Wolski et al 2021a , b ). Almost all taxa from sect.…”

“…The same is true for bryophytes as for vascular plants, but even more so. Many species, genera and even families require basic research related to their variability, distribution, ecology or taxonomic status ( Anderson et al 1990 ; Ignatov et al 2006 ; Hodgetts 2015 ; Suzuki 2016 ; Hodgetts and Lockhart 2020 ; Wolski et al 2021a , b ).…”

“…The understanding of Plagiothecium has changed relatively recently, when DNA-based research proved that many of the taxa have been too broadly circumscribed ( Zuo et al 2011 ; Wynns et al 2018 ; Ignatova et al 2019 ; Wolski and Nowicka-Krawczyk 2020 ) and that the bryoflora of North America, Europe and Asia is much richer in Plagiothecium than previously assumed (e.g. Wynns et al 2018 ; Ignatova et al 2019 ; Wolski, Jukoninė 2019; Wolski 2020a , b ; Müller and Wynns 2020 ; Wolski and Nowicka-Krawczyk 2020 ; Wolski et al 2021b ).…”

Figure 4 from: Wolski GJ, Nowicka-Krawczyk P, Buck WR (2021) Plagiothecium schofieldii, a new species from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, USA). PhytoKeys 184: 127-138. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.184.69970

“…Although the Northern Hemisphere seems to be relatively well researched, there are still many areas (e.g., central Asia, Middle East) which remain as gaps on the world distribution map of Plagiothecium (Wolski et al 2021). The results of taxonomic revisions conducted in recent years indicate the underestimation of the species richness of individual parts of the world.…”