Plagiothecium schofieldii, a new species from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, USA)

Abstract

Plagiothecium schofieldii sp. nov. is described from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, U.S.A. Some morphological features of this species correspond to P. lamprostachys (Southern Hemisphere species); however, Plagiothecium schofieldii is genetically and morphologically different from this and other common Northern Hemisphere species e.g., P. denticulatum, P. platyphyllum, or P. ruthei. The most important distinguishing morphological features differentiating this species are: the arrangement of the leaves on the stem; dimensions, concavity and symmetry of the leaves; dimensions of cells and their areolation; orientation of capsules. Additionally, due to the strong concavity of the leaves, they are very often badly damaged under the microscope. We present the results of DNA research of the analyzed samples, and a detailed description of the morphological features. The new species is illustrated, and its ecological preferences and currently known geographical distribution are presented. Additionally, the authors propose to add this species to Plagiothecium section, which is confirmed by morphological features and genetic analysis.