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An introduction to the family Bruchiaceae (Bryopsida in Australia is provided for the two genera Bruchia Schwaegr. and Trematodon Michaux together with a detailed revision, key to the species, illustrations and distribution maps for the five species of Trematodon now recognised in Australia. Of the nine species previously recorded for Australia, one species, T. amoenus (Müll. Hal.) Stone & Scott is endemic while T. flexipes Mitt. in Hook f. & Wilson, T. mackayi (R.Br. ter.) Broth. and T. suberectus Mitt., occur in Australia and New Zealand. Three species previously considered Australian endemics, T. baileyi Broth., T. brachyphyllus Müll. Hal. and T. longescens Müll. Hal. are now considered synonymous with the widespread T. longicollis Michx, the type species for the genus.

The genus Mesochaete Lindb. is known from tropical to temperate regions of the east coast of mainland Australia and Lord Howe Island. It includes two species, M. undulata Lindb. and M. taxiforme (Hampe) Watts & Whitel. Leaf size, leaf cell dimensions and aspects of leaf cross-sectional anatomy appear to be the most reliable morphological features to distinguish the species and new information is given in support of their retention as separate species. Incorrect statements in the Flora of Australia and other Australian treatments are rectified. As there are no previous illustrations of the sporophyte of M. taxiforme, or descriptions of the peristome and spores of either taxon, complete illustrations of the two Mesochaete species are presented with a supplementary description of the sporophyte and, where available, SEMs of peristomes and spores. One of the taxa, M. taxiforme, was represented by very little fruiting material. Consequently, only one sporophyte was sacrificed for the SEM work. Morphologically, peristomes and spores of both taxa appear almost identical.

Cowden disease (CD) is a rare autosomal dominant disease with variable expression, affecting a number of systems in the form of multiple hamartomatous neoplasms of ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal origin1 (multiple hamartoma neoplasia syndrome). CD usually presents in late adolescence and is caused by a germ mutation in the PTEN gene.2 Classically, the mucocutaneous features of CD are tricholemmomas, oral fibromas, acral keratoses, palmar pits, and gingival and palatal papules. These mucocutaneous signs are important markers for systemic findings; in particular breast carcinoma (20%), which is often bilateral,3,4 thyroid carcinoma (8%) and endometrial carcinomas.2 Various manifestations of the central nervous system (mental retardation,5 seizures, ganglinoneuromas), musculoskeletal system (craniomegaly, kyphoscoliosis and high arched palate) and gastrointestinal system (multiple hamartomatous polyps, adenocarcinomas arising in the polyps) are well documented. In addition, ovarian cysts and menstrual abnormalities are known to occur in the female genital tract.6 Bannayan–Ruvalcaba–Riley syndrome has many clinical features in common with CD, including mucocutaneous manifestations and an increased risk of gastrointestinal polyps and malignancy. …