A reconsideration of the affinities of Kleioweisiopsis Pleurozygodontopsis, Trigonodictyon, and the Microtheciellaceae (Bryopsida, Orthotrichales)

Abstract

The systematic affinities of three mono typic genera, Kleioweisiopsis Dixon, Pleurozygodontopsis Dixon, and Trigonodietyon Dixon & P. de la Yarde, as well as of the monotypic family Microtheciellaceae (Orthotrichales) are investigated. Examination of morphological characters suggests that Kleioweisiopsis should be transferred to the Ditrichaceae, Pleurozygodontopsis synonymized with Zygodon, and Trigonodietyon transferred to the Grimmiaceae. A key to the genera of the Ditrichaceae with immersed capsules is presented. Mierotheeiella kerrei Dixon, recently placed in its own family, is excluded from the Orthotrichales on the basis of its pleurocarpy, and placed close to the Neckeraceae in the Leucodontales.