A new species of Weissia (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta) from relict coastal forests of central Chile

IntroductionDuring exploration of the central Chile bryophyte flora over the past decade, particularly during the wet winter months, a new species of Weissia with persistent protonemata and immersed, cleistocarpic capsules was found. Here we describe the new species.MethodsThe new taxon was compared morphologically with the species of Weissia and Trachycarpidium currently recognised. In addition, most of the type material of the taxa attributed to these genera has been studied.Key results and conclusionsWeissia nicogarciae is described and illustrated as a new moss species from central Chile. It inhabits relict coastal sclerophyllous forests and is currently known from two single localities in the Valpara & iacute;so and Bernardo O'Higgins Regions. The new species is characterised by plants that are less than 5 mm tall and arise from a persistent protonema, cleistocarpic immersed capsules that readily detach from the mother plant, polyoicous sexuality, and oblong-lanceolate leaves with a strongly differentiated hyaline base and a robust costa with dorsal and ventral stereid bands excurrent into a stout mucro.