The relationship between Mittenia plumula (Mitt.) Lindb. and Schistostega pennata (Hedw.) Web. & Mohr

Abstract

In spite of the absence of a peristome in Schistostega, developmental studies show that the internal structure of the capsule has considerable similarity and presents no strong barriers to a relationship with Mittenia. This is strongly supported by the protonema and many features of the gametophore and sporophyte. Therefore it is suggested that the Mitteniaceae be transferred from the Bryales to the Schistostegales.