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Introduction: During exploration of the central Chilean bryophyte flora over the past 10 years, especially during the wet winter months, a species of Acaulon was collected that did not match any of the known species of the genus. Here, we present our arguments for recognising these plants as a new moss species. Methods: The new taxon was compared morphologically with the species of Acaulon currently recognised. In addition, most of the type material of the taxa attributed to this genus was studied. Key results and conclusions: Acaulon chilense is described and illustrated as a new moss species from Chile. It is characterised by its reddish coloration, papillose distal laminal cells, costa with homogeneous cells, strongly thickened dorsal cell walls, spores less than 30 μm in diameter, and rhizoautoicous sexuality. The morphological similarities with closely related species are discussed. A distribution map of the new species is provided. This taxon is relatively common, appearing during the wet winter months in the Mediterranean climate areas of the lowlands of central Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barbula schensiana, endemic to China is transferred to the genus Didymodon as D. schensianus. It is shown that B. schensiana and its variety longifolia has incorrectly been considered conspecific with Didymodon vinealis and D. constrictus, respectively. Examination of other type specimens from East Asia such as Didymodon guangdongensis, Barbula altipes, Barbula nipponica and B. nipponica var. gracilis revealed that are new synonyms of D. schensianus. The range of the species is extended to Japan, Taiwan and Philippines. The species is described, lectotypified, illustrated and its distribution is mapped. Its distinction from and relationships with, similar species are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During field studies in Argentina, we collected a specimen of Aloina Kindb. that did not match any of the known species of the genus. Here we present our arguments for recognising this moss as a new species. The morphology of the new taxon was compared with that of the species of Aloina presently recognised. In addition, most of the type material of the taxa attributed to this genus in the world has been studied. Aloina scindulosa M.J.Cano, J.A.Jiménez & M.T.Gallego is described and illustrated as a new moss species from four localities in the Monte Desert area of Argentina. It is distinct from all other members of the genus in the combination of its lingulate leaves with unbordered margins, rectangular and slightly sheathing leaf bases, leaves ending in a long, hyaline, papillose hair-point near the leaf apex, the costa scarcely differentiated, in cross-section with no stereids, and the upper and middle laminal cells and costal surface dorsally prorate in the upper midleaf. Possible confusion with other species of the genus is discussed. A key to the South American species of Aloina is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]