Didymodon kunlunensis D.P.Zhao, S.Mamtimin & S.He (Pottiaceae), a new species from Xinjiang, China

Abstract

Didymodon kunlunensis D.P.Zhao, S.Mamtimin & S.He is described as a new species found in Xinjiang, China. The new species is characterised by a combination of the following characters: ovate leaves with laminal cells always smooth, red colour in KOH, recurved leaf margins from base to apex, a percurrent costa without dorsal and ventral stereid bands in cross section, a distinct stem central strand and the presence of gemmae in the leaf axils. Light microscope photographs of the significant characters are provided and its distinctions from closely related taxa are discussed. A key to Chinese Didymodon species with smooth laminal cell is provided.

Keywords:

• Didymodon
• East Asia
• Kunlun Mountains
• Moss
• Pottiaceae
• Taxonomy
• Xinjiang

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Drs Juan A. Jiménez and Richard H. Zander for their opinions on the identity of this new species. Our thanks go to curators of the following herbaria: H, JE and MO for providing material used in this study. This research was conducted with financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (nos 31660050, 31660052) and the China Scholarship Council (no. 201608155011).

Taxonomic Additions and Changes: Didymodon kunlunensis D.P.Zhao, S.Mamtimin & S.He, sp. nov.