A new species of the genus Lophozia (Lophoziaceae) from the Svalbard Archipelago

Abstract

A new species of liverwort Lophozia svalbardensis (Marchantiophyta, Jungermanniopsida) collected in the Nordaustlandet (Svalbard Archipelago) is described. It is characterized by heteroicous inflorescence, presence of low perigynium, crenulate-ciliate perianth mouth, thick walled cells near perianth mouth; colourless to slightly pinkish red tinged gemmae contrasting in color with red-brown marginal cells of the uppermost leaves, two-layer thick base of leaves. A detailed description including illustrations of the species is given. The phylogenetic position of the species is considered, and morphological differences from similar species are discussed.