RESEARCH: OUTCOMES, VIEWPOINTS & PERSPECTIVES

Spore morphology and taxonomy of Pottia

On the basis of spore morphological features (LM, SEM, TEM), a new taxonomic treatment was proposed for the Pottia starckeana species complex. The peristome development was not considered to be an useful feature to separate the taxa. Shared characteristics were noted in the spore, particularly in the fundamental wall structure, and two major spore types were described on the basis of their distinct shape, size, and sculptural pattern. Spores of type A, mainly with wavy outline and lacking marked perinous projections, correlated well with P. starckeana. Spores of type B, with regular outline, increased size, and more ornamented perine, characterized both P. commutata and P. davalliana. Much intergrading of spore morphology was noticeable, suggesting that localized introgressive hybridization may have taken place within the Mediterranean area involving these three species. Adaptive characters of the sporoderm was discussed in relation to ecological and phyletic considerations.
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CARRIÓN, J.S., GUERRA, J. & ROS, R.M. 1993. Spore morphology in Pottia starckeana (Hedw.) C. Müll (Pottiaceae, Musci) and its closest species. Nova Hedwigia 56 (1-2): 89-112

ROS, R.M., GUERRA, J., CARRIÓN, J.S. & CANO, M.J. 1996. A new point of view of the taxonomy of Pottia starckeana agg. (Musci, Pottiaceae). Plant Systematics and Evolution 199 (3-4): 153-166.