Marsupella brasiliensis sp. nov. (Gymnomitriaceae, Marchantiophyta) from Brazil – the distribution of sect. Stolonicaulon in Neotropics is now confirmed

Abstract

The specimen previously identified as Marsupella microphylla from Brazil is reassessed and described as a new species, M. brasiliensis. The new species is characterized by paroicous inflorescence, bispiral elaters, scale-like, commonly unlobed leaves and very small leaf cells. Descriptions and drawings are provided along with a corresponding discussion of the morphological peculiarity of the new species. Marsupella brasiliensis belongs to sect. Stolonicaulon, and the distribution of Marsupella sect. Stolonicaulon in the New World is confirmed. The infrageneric position of M. microphylla remains unresolved, and whether it belongs to the same section is still unclear.