Plagiothecium talbotii, a new species from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, U.S.A.)
Plagiothecium talbotii sp. nov. is described from Attu Island, Alaska, U.S.A. The newly-described species is not similar in appearance to any Northern Hemisphere species; only the habit is similar to P. platyphyllum. However, it not only occupies a different habitat than that species, but genetically and morphologically, it is clearly distinct from it. The results of DNA sequencing, a detailed description of the morphological features, illustrations, ecological preferences and currently known geographical distribution of P. talbotii are presented. The most important distinguishing morphological features of this species are: the size of the plant; dimensions and symmetry of the leaves; dimensions of cells and their areolation; entire leaf apex; and long decurrencies with some inflated cells. Additionally, we propose to place P. talbotii in section Plagiothecium, which is confirmed by genetic analysis and morphological features.
Found an error? Please report to login@optimap.science.