FloraOfNewZealand-Mosses-49-Fife-2021-Orthodontiaceae
The definition of the Orthodontiaceae and the relationships of its core genus, Orthodontium, are confused. Orthodontium was traditionally placed in the Bryaceae (by Brotherus) within its own subfamily, characterised by an absent or very low endostomal membrane and filiform endostomal segments. Australasian authors have largely accepted this placement, albeit usually without reference to the subfamily. Modern molecular studies have concluded that the genera Hymenodon and Leptotheca (both widespread and common in New Zealand) are allied to Orthodontium and their transfer to the Orthodontiaceae has been recently proposed. This family definition emphasises molecular data more than morphology, and it is followed here more from convenience than conviction. The substantial morphological differences between these genera are outlined and preclude a meaningful family morphological description. The three genera are each represented by one species in N.Z. Orthodontium lineare occurs as an epiphyte, on rotten wood, or on humic soil. A proposed segregate species, O. ruahinense, is rejected here. Hymenodon pilifer is broadly distributed regionally, occurring predominantly on the caudices of certain tree-ferns. Leptotheca gaudichaudii is likewise widespread, and occurs terrestrially on a range of substrates, most abundantly in southern beech forests.
Additional Information
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Data last updated | 13 June 2021 |
| Metadata last updated | 13 May 2021 |
| Created | 13 May 2021 |
| Format | |
| License | CC-BY 4.0 (Attribution) |
| Datastore active | False |
| Has views | True |
| Id | f7f20818-a923-4f94-b52a-c2e3143416af |
| Mimetype | application/pdf |
| Package id | 35366f0d-ee01-43a2-8806-193c7adf83de |
| Position | 0 |
| Size | 2.8 MiB |
| State | active |
| Url type | upload |
| Version |