Algaria overbergensis Hedd. & R.H.Zander, a new moss species from the Overberg Rûens Shale Renosterveld system of the Southwest Cape, South Africa

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The moss genus Algaria currently comprises a single species known only from the type locality. During recent bryological surveys of remnant Overberg Renosterveld patches, plants were collected that clearly belong to this genus but differ from the only known species in several critical respects. Here, we describe these as a new species.

Methods

Specimens were rehydrated in the laboratory, dissected, and mounted in Hoyer’s solution or polyvinyl alcohol–glycerine. Observations and measurements were made using standard stereo and compound microscopy. Spore anatomy was further investigated using scanning electron microscopy.

Key results and conclusions

Algaria overbergensis Hedd. & R.H.Zander is described as a new species currently known from only three localities in Overberg Rûens Renosterveld. It is readily distinguished from its only congener (Algaria natalieae Hedd. & R.H.Zander) by its rounder capsule with a domed to conical operculum, epapillose calyptra, much larger spores, and truncate leaves with a narrower border of elongate cells.

KEYWORDS:

• Ephemerals
• Greater Cape Floristic Region
• Overberg region
• Pottiaceae
• Renosterveld
• winter rainfall

Acknowledgements

Fieldwork was logistically supported by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust, and we are particularly indebted to Odette Curtis and Grant Forbes for guiding our choice of field sites and for facilitating access to those sites. We also thank the numerous private individuals who allowed access to their land. David Mesarcik was an amiable and capable field assistant. We are grateful to Miranda Waldron at the University of Cape Town Electron Microscope Unit for the SEM images of spores. The Missouri Botanical Garden continues to support innovative research on bryophyte diversity and evolution. The line drawing and Latin diagnosis were kindly provided by Patricia M. Eckel.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflicts of interest were reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the National Research Foundation (grant 121260), under the Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme, a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation, the National Research Foundation and the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

Notes on contributors

Terry A. Hedderson

Terry Hedderson is a professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Cape Town (South Africa). He specialises in systematics, biogeography and phylogeography, with a strong focus on African mosses, especially those of the Greater Cape Floristic Region.

Richard H. Zander

Richard Zander has been for 20 years a research associate at the Missouri Botanical Garden, following a 30-year period as Curator of Botany at the Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo, New York. His specialty is the taxonomy of the Pottiaceae, contributing novel techniques for analysing evolution of this largest moss family.