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Abstract
Pohlia nutans subsp. schimperi is recognized as a distinct taxon, differing from ssp. nutans by the pink to purple coloration of its leaves and a dioicous or polyoicous, rather than paroicous, sexual condition. We review the contrasting reports about the sexuality of these plants, as well as their nomenclatural history, and demonstrate their synonymy with P. nutans subsp. purpurascens Latzel. The subspecies shows a mainly arctic–subarctic distribution, with relict Central European occurrences in the Eastern Alps, the Sudetes and the western Carpathians, probably reflecting migratory events during the Pleistocene. The ecology and phytosociological affinities of the taxon in Central Europe are discussed in detail.