Tetraphidopsis Broth. & Dixon

Based on: A.J. Fife (2019)

Tetraphidopsis pusilla, clump of plants bearing gemmae. Drawn from B.H. Macmillan 89/205, CHR 456443. Image: R.C. Wagstaff © Landcare Research 2018

Classification

Class

Bryatae

Family

Ptychomniaceae M.Fleisch.

Subordinate Taxa

Tetraphidopsis pusilla

Nomenclature

Scientific Name:

Tetraphidopsis Broth. & Dixon in Dixon, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 40: 451 (1912)

Type Taxon:

Tetraphidopsis novae-seelandiae Broth. & Dixon = Tetraphidopsis pusilla (Hook.f. & Wilson) Dixon

Etymology:

The generic name alludes to a resemblance to the northern hemisphere genus Tetraphis. According to Brotherus & Dixon (in Dixon 1912) the terminal cluster of gemmae of this plant “is enclosed in bracts resembling those of Tetraphis but smaller”.

Taxonomy

Tetraphidopsis is a monotypic genus with the features of the type species, discussed below.

Tetraphidopsis exhibits morphological features that are anomalous in the Ptychomniaceae, including a single costa and a short, rostrate operculum. The peristome teeth are not furrowed. Its affinities to the other members of the family would be best considered in a world-scale review, perhaps using molecular characters.

Biostatus

Indigenous (Non-endemic)

Number of species in New Zealand within *Tetraphidopsis* Broth. & Dixon
Category	Number
Indigenous (Non-endemic)	1
Total	1

Bibliography

Dixon, H.N. 1912: On some mosses of New Zealand. Journal of the Linnean Society. Botany 40: 433–459.

Fife, A.J. 2019: Ptychomniaceae. In: Smissen, R.; Wilton, A.D. (ed.) Flora of New Zealand – Mosses. Vol. 43. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.

Goffinet, B.; Buck, W.R.; Shaw, A.J. 2009: Morphology, anatomy, and classification of the Bryophyta. In: Goffinet, B.; Shaw, A.J. (ed.) Bryophyte Biology. Edition 2. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. 55–138.