Notothylas orbicularis (Schwein.) Sull. in D. R. Congo and Uganda, new to Africa and N. javanica (Sande Lac.) Gottsche new to D. R. Congo (Anthocerotophyta, Notothyladaceae)

Abstract

The hornwort Notothylas orbicularis (Schwein.) Sull. is reported for the D. R. Congo and Uganda, new for Africa. It is characterized by bivalved capsules with strongly thickened exothecial cells, yellow spores and a minutely vermiculate spore wall. Earlier mentions of this taxon in Africa are based on the presence of N. decurva (Mitt.) Steph. This is also a yellow-spored species with vermiculate spore walls, but the capsules are indehiscent. It is not considered here as a synonym of N. orbicularis. Notothylas javanica (Sande Lac.) Gottsche is reported from the coastal zone of the D. R. Congo. It differs from N. decurva in the absence of pseudoelaters.

Keywords:

• AFRICA
• D. R. CONGO
• NOTOTHYLAS JAVANICA
• NOTOTHYLAS ORBICULARIS
• UGANDA