A New Understanding of Vinealobryum eckeliae (Pottiaceae: Bryophyta)

Abstract

Vinealobryum eckeliae (R.H. Zander) R.H. Zander is a poorly understood moss species native to the west coast of North America and Spain. Since its description in 2007, the number of collections in North America has more than doubled, providing valuable data regarding the species' phenology, morphology, ecology, and distribution. An analysis of 75 specimens has confirmed the plant to be dioicous with sporophytes maturing predominantly in the spring and summer. Reproductive specimens were used to produce ranges for sporophyte characters, and non-reproductive specimens were used to investigate gametophyte morphological patterns that were not previously reported. Micrographs were captured to present both gametophytic and sporophytic features of the moss. Label data extracted from the Consortium of North American Bryophyte Herbaria were used to update the species' habitat preferences and distribution. A dichotomous key to the genus Vinealobryum of California is provided.