Plagiochila killarniensis Pears. in the British Isles

Abstract

Plagioehila killarniensis Pears. is reinstated as a species. It differs from P. spinulosa in many characters including its more patent leaves with a sharply defmed vitta, and the dentate antical margin of its female bracts. P. spinulosa var. inermis Carr. is shown to be a synonym of P. killarniensis, and P. punetata var. owenii (Steph.) Macv. of var. punctata. Both sexes of P. killarniensis occur in the British Isles, but male plants of P. spinulosa have not been detected, and those of P. punctata have been seen only once. P. killarniensis tolerates more exposure than P. spinulosa, but does not extend so far north.