Taxonomic studies in the genus Fossombronia Raddi

Abstract Fossombronia pusilla is shown to be represented by two varieties based on differences between the gametophyte and the sporophyte; var. decipiens is reduced to synonymy with the widespread var. pusilla; a new variety, maritima, is described from heathy coastal habitats in southern and south-western regions of the British Isles. F. loitlesbergeri is deleted from the British list following an examination of authentic gatherings; Cornish material is referable to F. pusilla var. maritima. F. crozalsii, known only from two British localities, has been refound recently in Wiltshire; Cornish records are referable to F. pusilla var. maritima. An examination of the type specimen of F. mittenii indicates that it is most probably an abnormal form of F. wondraczekii. A comparison of material of F. husnotii with British F. husnotii var. anglica shows that the latter cannot be maintained as a distinct taxon.