African Hepatics

Abstract

Lophocolea bispinosa, new to the British Isles, is described in detail. This small dioecious species, which may have been introduced from New Zealand, is well established in the Isles of Scilly, especially in and around the Abbey Gardens in Tresco.     

Rare charophytes in Scotland's coastal saline lagoons

Summary

Recently collected data comparing the distribution and performance of the rare lagoonal charophyte Lamprothamnium papulosum across a number of UK coastal lagoon sites, including nine sites in the Western Isles, is presented. The surveys revealed that the species occurred over a wide range of salinities but was absent from sites with high phosphorus concentrations. The sites in the Western Isles held the most extensive populations and were least threatened by nutrient pollution. The discovery of two other endangered and vulnerable charophytes of brackish water, Tolypella nidifica and Chara baltica, at two of the Western Isles sites further highlights the importance of Scotland's saline lagoon resource. The use of the autoecological data on salinity and nutrient conditions for supporting Biodiversity Action Plan implementation for Lamprothamnium papulosum and for saline lagoon conservation in general is considered. Status summaries for all the charophyte species of brackish water recorded in Scotland are also provided.     

A note on the Quaternary history of Meesia longiseta Hedw. in Britain

Abstract

The Quaternary history of Meesia longiseta in the British Isles is briefly reviewed, and two new records described, one Flandrian, the other Ipswichian. A note on identification is provided.     

Hedwigia stellata and H. ciliata in the British Isles

Abstract

Hedwigia stellata Hedenäs, here reported for the first time from the British Isles, is common and widely distributed. H. ciliata var. ciliata is rare, var. leucophaea very rare.     

Arctoa anderssonii Wich. (Dicranaceae), new to the British Isles

Abstract

Arctoa anderssonii Wich. is described as a species new to the British Isles with an account of its habitat on Ben Hope, a mountain in Sutherland, north-west Scotland. The differences between this species and Arctoa fulvella and A. hyperborea are specified.     

The Genetics of Bryophytes

Abstract

Sanionia orthothecioides (Lindb.) Loeske (Drepanocladus orthothecioides (Lindb.) Roth) is reported from three Scottish islands, Hirta (St Kilda), Mainland of Shetland and Fair Isle, new to the British Isles. It is described and illustrated and the differences with the closely related S. uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske discussed.     

The world-wide range of Campylopus shawii Wits.

Abstract

Campylopus shawii Wils, in Hunt, hitherto known only from the British Isles, is reported from the Caribbean Islands and the Azores, where it has been described as C. underwoodii Williams, C. carreiroanus Card. and C. brittonae Williams. The relation to Campylopus setifolius Wils. is discussed.     

Flora Delle Acque Circostanti L'Isola Di Pianosa (Is. Tremiti)

Abstract

The marine flora of the Isle of Pianosa (Isles Tremiti). – The little Isle Pianosa (Middle Adriatic) presents an algal flora typical for clear, deep seas. Its main components are here described. Endolithic flora on calcareous rocks has been particularly well examined.     

Leptodon Smith (Hedw.) Mohr in Ireland

Abstract

A new Irish locality is recorded for L. smithii, and the general features of the station are described. An account of the bryophyte succession on tree trunks in the area is given and the part played by L. smithii indicated. It is shown that gatherings from both Irish localities consisted entirely of male plants and the distribution and age of the antheridia on both specimens are recorded. It is suggested that rarity of sporophyte production in the British Isles is probably due to too great a spatial separation of male and female plants and not to the absence, or low production, of sex organs. It is also suggested that rarity of spores and impermanence of the habitat are the chief factors contributing to its rareness in climatically suitable areas of the British Isles. The known distribution of the plant in the British Isles is related to its European and world distribution, and it is shown that L. smithii may be expected in further Irish vice counties.

I have pleasure in acknowledging my thanks to Mr Wallace for the gift of a specimen of L. smithii from Knocklofty and for details of its habitat; to Mrs C. E. M. Shelswell-White for permission to enter and collect in the grounds of Bantry House, and to my colleague Dr J. G. Hawkes for confirming the identification of the two shrubs.     

Lichen conservation in Scotland

Summary

The significance of the Scottish lichen flora is outlined within the context of the British Isles and Europe, prompting a cautionary note on an over-reliance of assessing conservation importance using national Red Data Book categorisations. The conservation needs of lichens and their habitats, from ‘gardening’ to landscape management are discussed.     

Notes on British Boleti: III.

Summary

A key to the British species of the genera Aureoboletus, Boletinus, Gyroporus, Phylloporus, Porphyrellus, Pulveroboletus, Strobilomyces and Uloporus based on habitat, microscopic and macroscopic features is discussed. Four species as yet unrecorded from the British Isles, Boletinus asiaticus, Xerocomus amarellus, Boletus vaccinus, Boletus badiorufus and seven species which could possibly be sought in one of these genera are included in the discussion for completeness; the latter are also included in the key.     

Rhodymenia delicatula P.J.L. Dangeard (Rhodophyta,Rhodymeniales) en Méditerranée

Abstract

Presence of Rhodymenia delicatula P.J.L. Dangeard in the Mediterranean. - The presence of Rhodymenia delicatula P.J.L. Dangeard (Rhodophyta, Rhodymeniales) in the southern Thyrrhenian sea is reported. Both cystocarpic and tetrasporic individuals have been collected. Anatomical features of the reproductive structures, as well as the position of these on the thallus allowed the identification of this species formerly known for the Atlantic coasts of Morocco and British Isles.     

Pohlia muyldermansii Wilcz. & Dem. var. pseudomuyldermansii var. nov., a new name for P. muyldermansii Wilcz. & Dem. sensu Lewis & Smith

Abstract

The results of a comparative study of Pohlia muyldermansii from Continental Europe and the British Isles are presented. Two varieties are recognized, var. muyldermansii from Belgium and the Netherlands and var. pseudomuyldermansii var. nov. from Great Britain, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland. P. camptotrachela is reported from Belgium and differences between this species and P. muyldermansii discussed.     

Flora e Vegetazione Dell'Isola Di Pianosa (Isole Tremiti)

Abstract

Flora and vegetation of the Isle of Pianosa (Isles Tremiti). – The flora and vegetation of the Isle of Pianosa are here described. The flora is composed of common mediterranean species with some adriatic endemics. The vegetation has a halophilous-nitrophilous character. The plant formations identified on this isle are shown in the map (fig. 1).     

Notes on some British Barbulas

Abstract

The moss Hypnum cupressiforme var. heseleri is reported new to the British Isles and its status is discussed. Line drawings and a photographic illustration are provided. It was found growing on an apple tree on the Royal Estate, at Flitcham in West Norfolk. It differs from other species of Hypnum in its distinctive rounded-concave leaf form and julaceous branches. The habitat and ecology are broadly similar to those in the other European sites from which this moss has been reported.     

AN ATLANTIC POPULATION OF PIKEA CALIFORNICA (DUMONTIACEAE,RHODOPHYTA)1

The marine red alga Pikea californica Harvey, previously known only from the east coast of Japan and the west coast of North America, was found in 1983 to be abundant in the surge zone throughout the Isles of Scilly archipelago, off SW England. Examination of herbarium material showed that the population was present in 1967. All plants observed in July 1983 and September 1984 were sterile, but reproductive male and female plants were collected in November 1983. The habitat and phenology of P. californica in the Isles of Scilly closely resemble those of Pacific populations. English plants are vegetatively and reproductively identical to the type and other California specimens. They can easily be distinguished from Sphaerococcus coronopifolius Stackhouse (Sphaerococcaceae, Gigartinales), the most similar species in the flora of the British Isles, by the presence in transverse sections of several lacunae, representing axial and whorl-branchlet filaments, in contrast to the single axial filament of S. coronopifolius. It is possible that the Isles of Scilly population of P. californica is a relict of a species once more widespread, but it seems more likely that it is another example of the well-established pattern of marine introductions into the British Isles from the North Pacific. The range of temperature regimes occupied by P. Californica in the Pacific suggests that the species could become more widespread in Europe, but at present it appears to be confined to the Isles of Scilly.     

Athalamia hyalina (Sommerf.) S.Hatt. in Scotland,new to the British Isles

Abstract

The liverwort Athalamia hyalina (Sommerf.) S.Hatt. and the family Cleveaceae are reported as new to the British Isles from the eastern Scottish Highlands. The Scottish plants are described and illustrated and the significance of the discovery is assessed. In Scotland, Athalamia hyalina occurs on thin soil on eroding limestone ledges in a montane habitat with a continental climate. It is in active growth in the winter months, producing spores in spring. Its range is restricted but it occurs within a protected area and is not threatened at present. The species is widespread in the northern hemisphere.     

The habitat range of Dicranum leioneuron Kindb.

Abstract

The hepatic Nardia insecta Lindb. is reported from a streamside locality in the Kielder district of South Northumberland, new to Britain. It was first collected in 1964 when herbarium specimens were initially referred to N. geoscyphus. Plants of N. insecta were refound in 1993 at the same locality where it has persisted while conifer plantations have developed in the surrounding catchment. N. insecta from Northumberland is described and illustrated, and a chromosome count of n = 18 is reported. It is compared with N. geoscyphus which has been found to be represented in the British Isles by two forms that differ in morphology and geographical distribution.     

Notes on British Boleti: IV

Summary

A key to the British species of the genus Suillus based on habitat, microscopic and macroscopic characters is discussed. Some species as yet unrecorded for the British Isles are included for completeness. Also included in the key are the only W. European member of Fuscoboletinus, the single British species of Bolentis, and two Xerocomus spp., X. badius and X. rubinus, both of which are superficially similar (in some characters) to members of the genus Suillus. The genera Chalciporus and Fuscoboletinus are reviewed and the taxonomic status of Boletus grevillei is discussed in detail.