On the occurrence of Schistidium subconfertum and S. succulentum in Europe

Abstract

We here clarify that currently there are no records of the Asiatic Schistidium subconfertum (Broth.) Deguchi in Europe. The only European specimen referred to this species represents S. succulentum Ignatova & H.H. Blom, a taxon rather recently described from Caucasus. Furthermore, we provide new records of the latter species in the French and Swiss Alps. The two species share a reduced peristome, but can be distinguished by characteristics of the gametophyte such as lamina thickness (unistratous in S. subconfertum versus partially bistratous in S. succulentum) and shallowly versus strongly projecting costa.