Ignatova, E.A., O.I. Kuznetsova, V.E. Fedosov & M.S. Ignatov. 2023. An enigmatic species of Schistidium (Grimmiaceae, Bryophyta) from the Sayan Mountains, Asian Russia

Arctoa (2023) 32: 189–198

doi: 10.15298/arctoa.32.16

During a field trip to Tunkinskie Goltsy Range, East Sayan Mountains, Republic of Buryatia a peculiar specimen of Schistidium with strongly concave, cucullate leaves was collected from rocks in a temporarily dry stream bed. It was identified as Schistidium chenii (Lin) Cao, Gao & Zhao. This species was previously known from two high mountain localities in China (Tibet and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region). A molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Sayan specimen found its closest relative to be S. occidentale, a widespread western North American species, but recently discovered in Spain. The description based on specimen from Russia is provided; a comparison with S. occidentale and species similar to S. chenii in morphology is given.