Ephemerum homomallum (Pottiaceae) and Torrentaria aquatica (Brachytheciaceae), Two Additional American Moss Species New to Africa

Abstract

Two American species of moss, Ephemerum homomallum Müll. Hal. (Pottiaceae) and Torrentaria aquatica (A. Jaeger) Ochyra (Brachytheciaceae), are reported as new to Africa, based on collections from the Limpopo and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, respectively. These discoveries changed the phytogeographical status of both species, which now belong to the Afro-American distribution element. Global geographical ranges of these two species are reviewed and mapped, and the amphiatlantic distribution pattern of mosses is briefly summarized. A history of the muscological exploration of southern Africa is briefly considered and recent additions to the moss flora of this area are reviewed.

Keywords

• afro-american disjuncts
• amphiatlantic distribution
• bryophyta
• musci
• neotropics
• phytogeography
• south africa
• taxonomy