Bryophytes collected in Lesotho, the Natal Drakensberg and the Orange FreeState, Southern Africa

Bryophytes collected during a month-long expedition (January-February, 1995 ) to Lesotho and the Natal Drakensberg are documented. Preliminary visits h ad indicated that the area was probably bryologically rich, but under-explo red and threatened. The principal objectives were to survey bryophytes in t he last remaining substantial area of woodland in Lesotho and in high altit ude bogs, as both are ecologically and economically important and under ext reme threat, to assess their bryological importance, to make conservation r ecommendations and to report to the relevant authorities. Other important b ryophyte habitats in Lesotho were also explored. Woodland in the Natal Drak ensberg was studied for comparative purposes and a small collection was mad e from a single site in the Orange Free State. A brief introductory section gives a summary of the geology and vegetation of the region. The principal bryophyte habitats and communities studied are described, including lowlan d sandstone, lowland riverine, ephemeral. austro-mediterranean Leycosidea w oodland, upland basalt, bogs and mixed valley/ravine woodland in the Natal Drakensberg. Phytogeographical patterns are discussed, with particular atte ntion being drawn to the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic elements in the Draken sberg bryophyte flora. The species recorded during the expedition are then listed, with relevant locality and habitat details. Twelve species (2 hepat ics, 10 mosses) are new to Africa, with a further 1 (moss) new to sub-Sahar an Africa, 21 (12 hepatics, 9 mosses) new to southern Africa, 84 (43 hepati cs, 41 mosses) new to Lesotho, 2 (mosses) new to South Africa and 3 (1 hepa tic, 2 mosses) new to Natal but recorded previously elsewhere in South Afri ca. The more striking range extensions are tabulated for ease of reference. In conclusion, the Leucosidea woodland and the high altitude are of extrem e importance for bryophytes and immediate action should be taken to ensure their conservation. The high altitude basalt exposures of the Drakensberg a re also of extreme importance but under considerably less threat.