Fissidens bassilae (Fissidentaceae, Musci), a new species from Africa

Abstract

Fissidens bassilae sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Benin­­. This terrestrial species is characterized by large cells, persistent protonemata and limbidia restricted to the vaginant laminae of some perichaetial leaves. The similar Asian-Australian F. flabellulus Thwaites & Mitt. var. flabellulus has smaller cells, all leaves elimbate and lacks persistent protonemata. The new species belongs to Fissidens subg. Polypodiopsis.