Konstantinova, N.A., A.A. Vilnet & Yu.S. Mamontov. 2023. The phylogenetic affinity, distribution and variability of Cryptocolea imbricata R.M. Schust. (Marchantiophyta)

Arctoa (2023) 32: 137–150

doi: 10.15298/arctoa.32.11

The phylogenetic relation of the poorly known Arctic genus Cryptocolea is clarified for the first time from an integrative approach. It is shown that the genus belongs to the family Southbyaceae, rather than Solenostomataceae, where it was placed earlier. Some morphological synapomorphies confirming the found relation are revealed including perianths totally hidden in the bracts, the character of margin of female bracts, and the surface of spores. A detailed description of the genus based on multiple specimens from Eurasia is given, the variability of morphological features and three DNA loci (ITS1-2 nrDNA, trnL-F and rbcL cpDNA) is discussed, and a new variety C. imbricata var. minima Konstant., Vilnet & Mamontov is described. Ecology and distribution of C. imbricata in Eurasia are clarified; the necessity of further studies of the genus is discussed, including molecular study of specimens from North America, as well as collecting specimens from bare soil in the High Arctic.