Variation in Syrrhopodon armatus Mitt. (Calymperaceae), and in closely related taxa from Madagascar and adjacent regions

Abstract

The range of variation in the features of Syrrhopodon armatus Mitt. is discussed, and the interrelationships of this species with Syrrhopodon armatissimus W.D.Reese and Syrrhopodon armatus ssp. insularus (Bizot & Onr.) Orbán & W.D.Reese are assessed. The latter taxon is reinstated at the level of species. A key to distinguish between these taxa is provided.

Keywords:

• Calymperaceae
• Continental Africa
• East African Islands
• Syrrhopodon armatus-complex

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by The Natural History Museum, London (BM). I am grateful to the curators in BR, FH, G, MO, PC, REN, NY and US for the loan of specimens, to Sarah Stow for allowing me access to her collections of Madagascan mosses, and to Jo Wilbraham (BM) for the constructive comments on an earlier manuscript for this article.

Taxonomic Additions and Changes: S. armatus ssp. insularus (Bizot & Onr.) Orbán & W.D.Reese, syn. nov. (≡ Syrrhopodon insularus Bizot & Onr., stat. nov.).