The Hedwig herbarium and its importance for the nomenclature of mosses

As Hedwig's Species Muscorum (1801) were designated as the starting point f or moss nomenclature, all 369 names published in this work should be carefu lly lectotypified. In the Hedwig-Schwagrichen herbarium at G original Hedwi g specimens are present only for 322 taxa. Label information corresponds on ly in part to the indications given in the protologue. Also, unambiguous pr ocedure is allowed only for a few taxa because of possible confusion with l ater additions in hardly legible annotations by Schwagrichen. Checking the taxonomic identity of the selected lectotypes is most important to maintain nomenclatural stability. As a model the lectotypification of Paludella squ arrosa (Hedw.) Brid. is given.