Stephanodictyon borneense (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta): new combination, typification and update of distribution

Abstract

Stephanodictyon borneense was described by Dixon and later combined to Trichostomum by Zander. Until now, it had been considered endemic to Malaysia, known only from the type locality on Lobang, Kinabalu (Sabah state). Here, its taxonomic position is assessed based on morphological data. Our results suggest that the combination into the genus Chionoloma is required. Moreover, typification is performed and its distribution is increased. Stephanodictyon borneense is, therefore, newly reported for South and Central America (Colombia, Costa Rica, Haiti and Venezuela), for some Asiatic countries (India, Japan and Nepal) and for Papua New Guinea. Despite these new reports, S. borneense is a rare species with a highly scattered distribution.

Keywords:

• Chionoloma
• distribution
• morphology
• neglected species
• taxonomy

Acknowledgements

We thank the curators of the herbaria cited in the text for sending the materials. We are also grateful for the comments from two anonymous reviewers and the editor that improved the manuscript.