STUDIES OF FISSIDENS (BRYOPHYTA, MUSCI) IN NEW-ZEALAND - SECTION AMBLYOTHALLIA

The moss genus Fissidens Hedw. Section Ambylothallia Mull.Hal. is revi sed for New Zealand. Three species and two varieties are recognised: F . asplenioides Hedw., F. pallidus Hook.f. & Wilson, F. oblongifolius H ook.f & Wilson var. oblongifolius, F. oblongifolius var. capitatus (Ho ok.f & Wilson) Hook.f. & Wilson, and the new combination F. oblongifol ius var. hyophilus (Mitt.) J.E.Beever & I.G.Stone. Descriptions and il lustrations are provided, with comments on distribution and ecology. A key is given to distinguish the taxa and to separate them from F. tax ifolius Hedw., with which several have been confused. Brief notes are given on the distribution of these taxa in Australia, and a new combin ation is made for a variety known only from Australia, Fissidens oblon gifolius var. palmerstonensis (I.G.Stone) J.E.Beever & I.G.Stone.