A new species of the genus Notothylas Sull., N. himalayensis Udar et Singh, from India

Abstract

A new species, Notothylas himalayensis Udar et Singh is described from India. The species is remarkable in usually having erect plants with radially symmetrical basal stalk. Of particular significance is the presence of sinuate or nodulose radial wall thickenings in the epidermal cells of the capsule wall, usually with an additional plate-like thickening extending to transverse and outer tangential walls. The plants are further characterised by the presence of tetrahedral as well as tetragonal spore tetrads; deep brown spores with finely vermiculate exine ornamentation and a smooth or wavy flange. The vermiculae ramify to form reticulations as revealed under SEM apart from some larger lamellar structures sporadically distributed on the surface. The pseudoelaters have prominent spiral or semiannular thickening bands.