Abstract
In recent years, phylogenomic approaches have significantly deepened our understanding of moss diversity. These techniques have uncovered numerous previously overlooked species and provided greater clarity in resolving complex taxonomic relationships. In this context, the genus Rehubryum is particularly outstanding, because of its close morphological similarity to both Ulota and Atlantichella. The challenges posed by its segregation are addressed in this study, which integrates morphological and molecular data to reassess the circumscription of Rehubryum and its phylogenetic placement within the subtribe Lewinskyinae. Our results support the recognition of a new species, R. kiwi, and show that its inclusion within the genus further complicates the morphological delimitation of Rehubryum from Ulota, as both genera are distinguishable by only two consistent gametophytic characteristics: a submarginal leaf band of elongated cells, and the presence of geminate denticulations in the margins of the basal half of the leaf. Moreover, R. kiwi challenges the current morphological circumscription of Rehubryum itself, as it overlaps in key characteristics with its sister genus Atlantichella, rendering their morphological separation untenable. The striking interhemispheric disjunction between Rehubryum and Atlantichella raises new questions about long-distance dispersal and historical biogeography in mosses, despite these complexities at the generic level. Nevertheless, species-level distinctions remain well defined, especially in sporophytic traits and geographic distribution. These findings highlight the pervasive cryptic diversity within Orthotrichaceae, underscoring the need for integrative taxonomic frameworks that synthesize morphology, molecular phylogenetics, and biogeography to resolve evolutionary histories.
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Claims 5
Claim · model-written summary
The authors recognize R. kiwi as a new species.
- Taxon
- R. kiwiRehubryum kiwie0
- Outcome
- recognition of a new speciese0
Verbatim
e0“Our results support the recognition of a new species, R. kiwi”
Claim · model-written summary
Rehubryum and Ulota are distinguished by two consistent gametophytic traits.
Verbatim
e0“Rehubryum from Ulota, as both genera are distinguishable by only two consistent gametophytic characteristics: a submarginal leaf band of elongated cells, and the presence of geminate denticulations in the margins of the basal half of the leaf”
Claim · model-written summary
R. kiwi overlaps with Atlantichella in key morphology, making their morphological separation untenable.
- Taxon
- R. kiwiRehubryum kiwie0
- Outcome
- morphological separation untenablee0
- Comparator
- Atlantichellae0
Verbatim
e0“R. kiwi challenges the current morphological circumscription of Rehubryum itself, as it overlaps in key characteristics with its sister genus Atlantichella, rendering their morphological separation untenable”
Claim · model-written summary
Rehubryum and Atlantichella have a striking interhemispheric disjunction.
Verbatim
e0“The striking interhemispheric disjunction between Rehubryum and Atlantichella”
Claim · model-written summary
Species-level distinctions remain well defined in sporophytic traits and geographic distribution.
Verbatim
e0“species-level distinctions remain well defined, especially in sporophytic traits and geographic distribution”
t0“Rehubryum Species”