Grimmia (Grimmiaceae, Bryophyta) in the Neotropics

Abstract

Grimmia is a genus of acrocarpic, rock-inhabiting mosses that are represented in the Neotropical region by about 26 species. In addition to habitat, they are usually recognized by stem leaves with a hyaline hair point, and frequently sinuous thick-walled cells in 1-3 layers. Gemmae are frequent in G. austrofunalis, G. torquata, and G. trichophylla. However, they were also observed in specimens of G. pulla.

In the Neotropical region, Grimmia grows at intermediate and high elevations, from 1000-5300 m, but lower altitudes are the rule at either end of the range. The higher elevations are part of the high sierras and mountain ranges that occupy the western areas of the continent. The genus is well-represented in tropical North America (18 species), South America (16 species), and Central America (6 species); in the West Indies the number of species is lower (2 species). Grimmia austrofunalis is newly reported for Costa Rica and Mexico.