| The genus Schlotheimia Brid. consists of two morphologically distinguishable subgenera, based on capsule position and calyptra size and shape. Whereas subg. Schlotheimia (Mitt.) Broth. has exserted capsules and long-campanulate calyptrae, subg. Stegotheca (Mitt.) Broth. has immersed capsules and short-conical calyptrae. Morphometric analyses of the 15 names previously recognized in subg. Stegotheca, has resulted in the acceptance of two species and one new variety. Schlotheimia appressifolia Mitt., S. tecta Hook. & Wils., and the new S. tecta var. jamaicensis E. G. Britton ex J. J. Atwood are predominantly epiphytic, cladocarpous mosses that are endemic to the New World tropics. |
