Afonina, O.M. & E.A. Ignatova. 2024. On the first record of Didymodon tibeticus J. Kou, X.M. Shao & C. Feng (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta) in Russia

Arctoa (2024) 33: 156–159

doi: 10.15298/arctoa.33.15

Didymodon tibeticus was described in 2018 from Tibet (China) and was hitherto considered a local endemic occuring in high alpine areas of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, between 3700 and 5200 m a.s.l. It is newly reported from Zabaikalsky Territory in Russia, where it was collected in Sokhondinsky State Reserve (Kyra District). Specimens from Russia fully agree with the description of this species in combination of morphological characters, except slightly smaller leaves. This species appeared to be not rare in Sokhondinsky Reserve, growing in abundance on soil and rock outcrops on slopes. It occurs here at much lower altitudes than in Tibet. Description, illustrations and overview of habitats of D. tibeticus based on specimens from Russia are provided.