Allan J. Fife

A synopsis of New Zealand Sphagna, with a description of S. simplex sp. nov

Abstract Nine species of Sphagnum are documented in the New Zealand flora: S. australe, S. compactum, S. cristatum, S. falcatulum, S. novo-zelandicum, S. perichaetiale, S. squarrosum, S. subnitens, and S. simplex Fife sp. nov. A key to species is presented and all species are described. Sphagnum simplex, in section Subsecunda, is described and illustrated, its distribution is mapped, and ecology and systematic relationships are discussed. Sphagnum compactum is recorded from New Zealand and Australasia for the first time; its distinguishing microscopic features are illustrated and known New Zealand distribution mapped. The species occurring in New Zealand are assignable to six sections in Sphagnum. Each section is discussed with emphasis on its distinguishing morphological features, historical background, and taxonomic and related typiflcation problems associated with its New Zealand representatives and their distribution here. Lectotypes are designated for the names S. antarcticum Mitt., S. australe Mitt....

Records of new or otherwise interesting mosses in New Zealand, including a new species of Racomitrium

Abstract Nine species and one genus (Eccremidium) of mosses are reported for the first time from New Zealand. Racomitrium crumianum Fife, sp. nov. is described. For an additional eleven species an extension of range, within New Zealand, is reported. The genus Scouleria is deleted from the New Zealand flora.

Threatened and uncommon bryophytes of New Zealand (2010 revision)

Abstract The threat status of New Zealands bryophytes (currently 13 hornwort species, 608 liverwort species and 520 moss species) has been re-evaluated, using revised New Zealand Threat Classification System criteria. Threatened or uncommon status has been applied to 269 taxa (c. 24% of the total number of species) and to 25 entities that are either described but disputed or are undescribed. No taxa are known to be extinct. Forty-one taxa are listed as Threatened (26 Nationally Critical, 9 Nationally Endangered and 6 Nationally Vulnerable). One hundred and thirty-six taxa and entities are listed as At Risk, including 122 Naturally Uncommon, 2 Relict and 1 Declining, 8 Non-resident Native, and 3 Introduced and Naturalized. One hundred and thirty-five taxa and entities are Data Deficient.

A synopsis of the New Zealand species of Schistidium (Grimmiaceae; Musci), with observations on a little known species of Racomitrium

Abstract A synopsis of the New Zealand representatives of Schistidium is presented, treating S. apocarpum, S. rivulare var. rivulare, and S. rivulare var. subflexifolium stat. et comb. nov. The var. subflexifolium is based upon Grimmia subflexifolium Mull. Hal., an alpine and apparently endemic taxon which has been ignored since its description in 1898. The distribution, ecology, and affinities of Racomitrium curiosissimum, a recently described but little documented South I. endemic, are outlined.

Biosystematics of the cryptogamic flora of New Zealand: Bryophytes

Abstract Although New Zealands diverse bry-ophyte flora has attracted the attention of collectors and botanical authors since 1791 our knowledge of the bryoflora lags considerably behind that of the vascular flora. The historical development of both New Zealand muscology and hepaticology is reviewed. In muscology, the contributions of W. Wilson, J. D. Hooker, R. Brown ter., T. W. N. Beckett, H. N. Dixon, and G. O. K. Sainsbury are critically discussed. Whereas Sainsburys Handbook provides a firm foundation for the modern study of New Zealand mosses, only about 20 per cent of the flora has received adequate monographic study. In hepaticology, prior to 1960, the efforts of W. Mitten, W. Colenso, and E. A. Hodgson are the most historically significant. Since 1960, several overseas workers (especially Engel, Grolle, Inoue, and Schuster) have made major contributions to the knowledge of New Zealand hepatics, largely by publication of monographs and regional discussions, while the bibliographic efforts of B. ...

Hypnobartlettia fontana is an environmental form of Cratoneuropsis relaxa (Bryophyta: Amblystegiaceae)

Abstract The aquatic moss Hypnobartlettia fontana Ochyra was described, and placed in its own family, the Hypnobartlettiaceae, based on material collected at Te Waikoropupuu (“Pupu Springs”), Takaka, Nelson, New Zealand. It is known only from the type locality. Based on morphological evidence, we conclude Hypnobartlettia fontana is an environmentally induced form of the very variable Cratoneuropsis relaxa (Hook.f. & Wilson) Broth, modified in its morphology by the unusual physical features of its habitat in Pupu Springs. Data from published molecular studies relevant to this conclusion, and which do not support it, are equivocal and confounded by incorrectly identified material.

Pohlia australis sp. nov. (Musci) from New Zealand with notes on some other austral Pohlias

Abstract Pohlia australis, a new gemmiferous species, is described from the South Island, New Zealand. A key is provided to distinguish the three New Zealand species of Pohlia bearing axillary gemmae (P. australis, P. camptotrachela, and P. ochii). Pohlia tenuifolia, formerly thought to be endemic to Australasia, is reported from two localities in South America (Chile and Brazil).

New taxa of Sematophyllum and Wijkia (Musci: Sematophyllaceae), with a key to New Zealand Sematophyllaceae

Abstract The regional taxa of Sematophyllaceae have been reviewed in preparation for a florisitic treatment of the New Zealand mosses. A new species from Fiordland and Stewart Island is described as Sematophyllum fiordensis sp. nov. and Sematophyllum kirkii (Beckett) Paris, a species neglected in New Zealand for over 80 years, is resurrected. It is distributed on several of New Zealands southern offshore islands, with The Snares as its type locality. Finally, a distinctive form of Wijkia extenuata (Brid.) H.A. Crum, with abundant microphyllous branches, weakly differentiated stem and branch leaves, irregular or subpinnate (not bipinnate) branching, nearly entire branch leaf margins, and a lack of laminal cell pores is described as a variety from the Raukoōkore River in the Bay of Plenty Region. Wijkia extenuata var. caudata, var. nov. is widespread in the North Island, and from the Nelson area of the South Island. It appears to be the only variety of W. extenuata on the Kermadec Islands. Illustrations and distribution maps are provided for these three taxa. A key to the four genera, eight species and one variety of Sematophyllaceae accepted from New Zealand is presented.

A reconsideration of Pleurophascum (Musci: Pleurophascaceae) and specific status for a New Zealand endemic, Pleurophascum ovalifolium stat. et nom. nov.

Abstract The taxonomy of and relationships between the three taxa described in the genus Pleurophascum are reconsidered. P. grandiglobum is confirmed as a Tasmanian endemic. The New Zealand taxon, heretofore known as P. grandiglobum var. decurrens, differs from the Tasmanian species by numerous morphological characters, including capsule shape, size, and pigmentation; leaf shape; and degree of reflexion of the leaf margins. The New Zealand taxon is given specific status as P. ovalifolium stat. et nom. nov. Both P. grandiglobum and P. ovalifolium have laterally borne sex organs that are not subtended by innovations. Recently discovered fruiting material of the Western Australian endemic P. occidentale differs from both P. grandiglobum and P. ovalifolium by having terminal sex organs, short (c. 1 mm) setae, and nearly sessile, obovoid, and non‐rostrate capsules that lack stomata. Distribution maps and a key to the species are provided. The larger relationships of the genus Pleurophascum cannot yet be resolved.

Mosses of the Kermadec Islands, northern New Zealand

Abstract A list of mosses, comprising 52 species from 23 families, is provided for the Kermadec Islands, northern New Zealand. Cyclodictyon blumeanum is recorded new to New Zealand. Hypnum trachypelma is placed in synonymy with Eurhynchium speciosum, and lectotypes are designated for the names Hypnum trachypelma and Neckera kermadecensis. The moss flora of the Kermadec Islands contributes a significant subtropical element to the New Zealand mainland flora.