Journal of Bryology
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Additions and corrections to the bryophyte flora
of Ghana, including a new species of Cololejeunea
(Spruce) Schiffn. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta)
Nick G. Hodgetts, Gabriel Ameka, Ransford Agyei & Christopher Dankwah
To cite this article: Nick G. Hodgetts, Gabriel Ameka, Ransford Agyei & Christopher Dankwah
(2021) Additions and corrections to the bryophyte flora of Ghana, including a new species of
Cololejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta), Journal of Bryology, 43:3,
251-258, DOI: 10.1080/03736687.2021.1921464
To link to this article:  https://doi.org/10.1080/03736687.2021.1921464
Published online: 28 May 2021.
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JOURNAL OF BRYOLOGY
2021, VOL. 43, NO. 3, 251–258
https://doi.org/10.1080/03736687.2021.1921464
Additions and corrections to the bryophyte flora of Ghana, including a new
species of Cololejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta)
Nick G. Hodgettsa, Gabriel Amekab, Ransford Agyeic and Christopher Dankwahc
a15 Earlish, Portree, Isle of Skye, UK; bDepartment of Plant and Environmental Biology, University of Ghana, PO Box LG55, Legon, Accra,
Ghana; cA Rocha Ghana, Kaneshie, Accra, Ghana
ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY
Introduction. The bryophytes of Ghana are under-recorded, but the country has several First Published Online 28
important and relatively extensive examples of West African forest likely to support an May 2021
interesting flora. Of these, Atewa Forest was targeted for survey in 2014, resulting in many
records, including 58 taxa new to Ghana. This paper reports the results of further eldwork, KEYWORDSfi Africa; Cololejeunea; Ghana;
both in Atewa and elsewhere, in 2017, and makes some necessary additions and liverworts; mosses
amendments to previously published data.
Methods. Bryophyte fieldwork was carried out in key forest sites in southern Ghana during
November 2017, and was followed by targeted herbarium studies.
Key results. A new species, Cololejeunea ankasica, is described, and a new site for the rare
Ghanaian endemic C. calcarata reported; a further 27 taxa new to Ghana are recorded, and
amendments made to previously published information.
Conclusions. This study shows that even lowland areas of remaining forest in Ghana
are bryologically interesting and that bryophytes are an important but still under-
recorded part of Ghana’s biodiversity. It also strengthens the case for National Park
status for Atewa Forest, which remains the only known site in Ghana for many species
characteristic of higher altitude forest.
Introduction LIVERWORTS
Aneuraceae
In 2014, a team comprising NGH and staff from the
Aneura latissima Spruce; specimens collected in
University of Ghana and the conservation charity A
2014 (9039, 9043) were previously assigned to Aneura
Rocha Ghana made bryophyte collections in Atewa
pseudopinguis (Herzog) Pócs (Hodgetts et al. 2016)
Forest in south-eastern Ghana (Hodgetts et al.
but have been renamed following Gradstein (2013)
2016). In November 2017, more investigations were
and Reeb and Gradstein (2020). This is now considered
carried out in and around Atewa Forest (Eastern
the only species of Aneura recorded in West Africa.
Region), in and near Ankasa Forest (Western
Riccardia angusticosta (Steph.) Grolle; specimens
Region), in and near Kakum Forest (Central Region),
collected in 2014 (9034, 9041) were previously assigned
and at the Aburi Botanical Gardens near Accra. Her-
to Riccardia amazonica (Spruce) Schiffn. ex Gradst. &
barium specimens in the Ghana Herbarium, Depart-
Hekking (Hodgetts et al. 2016) but have been
ment of Plant and Environmental Biology,
renamed following Reeb and Gradstein (2020).
University of Ghana (GC), and the Royal Botanic
Riccardia longispica (Steph.) Pearson; specimens
Garden Edinburgh (E), as well as a collection made
collected in 2014 (9035–9038, 9042) were previously
by Michael Lüth in 1998, were also examined.
assigned to Riccardia limbata (Steph.) E.W.Jones (Hod-
These studies led to several new and interesting
getts et al. 2016) but have been renamed following
species being discovered for Ghana, and also to
Reeb and Gradstein (2020). This and R. angusticosta
some necessary amendments to the information
are now the only two species of Riccardia Gray
published by Hodgetts et al. (2016).
known in Ghana (and West Africa in general, with the
The relevant species are listed below, with taxa
exception of Cameroon, where R. inconspicua (Steph.)
new to Ghana marked with an asterisk (*). All were
Reeb & Bardat and R. saccatiflora (Steph.) S.W.Arnell
collected in November 2017 unless otherwise
have been recorded).
specified. Specimens numbered are lodged in the
personal herbarium of NGH, at E and GC, with some
duplicates in EGR. There are still many specimens, Lejeuneaceae
especially pleurocarpous mosses, requiring further *Caudalejeunea lehmanniana (Gottsche) A.Evans;
work. Western Region, Ankasa Forest near Ankasa Gate,
CONTACT Nick G. Hodgetts nick1901@hotmail.co.uk
© British Bryological Society 2021
Published online 28 May 2021
252 N. G. HODGETTS ET AL.
5.21640°N, 2.65003°W (10007), Bamboo Cathedral, tooth 1 or 2 cells long, with hyaline papilla ental at
5.28339°N, 2.64091°W (10058), 5.24755°N, 2.64110°W base of tooth, and obscured by it; proximal tooth
(10040) and Forestry Commission HQ, 5.27511°N, reduced to a single bluntly triangular cell, separated
2.72899°W (9923), 40–80 m a.s.l., epiphyllous on trees from apical tooth by 1 or 2 cells; cells 25–38 μm
and shrubs, and epiphytic on branches in forest long × 12–18 μm wide, smooth, except cells on keel
canopy. West African plants were originally described sometimes conically mamillose.
as Caudalejeunea tricarinata E.W.Jones (Jones 1953), Autoicous; androecia in 2–5 pairs, on short lateral
but this name was placed into the synonymy of the branches or on main shoots, bracts resembling the
American C. lehmanniana by Schuster (1980). leaves but with larger, more inflated lobules; gynoecia
However, African material does differ in some respects on short side branches, with a single innovation;
from American material (Wigginton 2004), and further female bracts smaller than leaves, lanceolate, crenulate
study to test the synonymy would be useful. or serrulate with conically protruding cells at margin;
perianth 650–800 μm long, obcordate, compressed,
*Cololejeunea ankasica N.G.Hodgetts, sp. nov. dorsally plane, ventrally ± bicarinate; lateral keels
(Figure 1) sharp; all keels crenulate to sharply serrulate with
Diagnosis. Similar in size and general appearance to cells strongly mamillose and protuberant, other peri-
Cololejeunea zenkeri (Steph.) E.W.Jones and C. obliqua anth cells smooth to ± conically mamillose; beak dis-
(Nees & Mont.) Schiffn. in having a strongly crenulate tinct, 2 or 3 cells long. Sporophyte globose, exserted;
to sharply serrulate dorsal lobe margin and a large spores not seen.
lobule 1/4–1/3 the lobe length, but distinct in the api- Notes. Cololejeunea ankasica is probably part of the
culate leaf lobes and the compressed perianth with complex of species that includes C. zenkeri, C. obliqua
four keels (two lateral and two ventral), all strongly ser- and C. cuneifolia Steph. The combination of the apicu-
rulate throughout their length with strongly mamillose late leaf lobe, the relatively strongly serrulate dorsal
and protuberant cells. lobe margin, the lobule 1/4–1/3 the lobe length and
Type. Ghana, Western Region, Ankasa Forest, near the perianth shape distinguish C. ankasica. Perhaps
Bamboo Cathedral, epiphyllous on forest shrubs with closest to C. obliqua, C. ankasica differs further from
Caudalejeunea africana (Steph.) Steph., 5.28891°N, that species in its more arched dorsal leaf lobe
2.64071°W, ca 100 m a.s.l., 15 November 2017, N.G. margin and its larger lobule. However, the relationship
Hodgetts 10068. Holotype: E; isotypes: EGR, GC. between these species is probably complicated, and
Additional specimen seen: Track from Ankasa Gate to molecular work will be needed to clarify it.
Bamboo Cathedral, epiphyllous on palm fronds, C. ankasica may also be close to C. apiculata
5.24755°N, 2.64110°W, ca 75 m a.s.l., 14 November (E.W.Jones) R.M.Schust. and C. lanceolata E.W.Jones,
2017, N. G. Hodgetts 10045a. but the lobule and perianth shape are different in
Description. Plants pale green, translucent, sparsely both those species. The lobule structure is similar to
branched (Lejeunea-type branching), up to 10 mm that of C. hildebrandii (Austin) Steph., but that species
long and 0.4–0.7 mm wide. Stems 40–60 μm in diam- has differently shaped leaves and perianths and lacks
eter; cortical cells 5, 20–25 μm× 12–24 μm in cross- the crenulate or serrulate dorsal leaf margin of
section, medullary cells 1, ca 18 μm wide. Rhizoids in C. ankasica.
small colourless bundles beneath each leaf base.
Leaves ± continguous, spreading (ca 60–90° from Cololejeunea calcarata E.W.Jones; Western Region,
stem), the lobes ovate, apiculate, 600–900 μm long × Ankasa Forest, from Ankasa Gate to Bamboo Cathedral,
300–550 μm wide, with dorsal margin crenulate to 5.24755°N, 2.64110°W (10036a) and 5.23667°N,
sharply serrulate with conically protruding cells; 2.64081°W (10049a), 75–95 m a.s.l., epiphyllous on
ventral margin mostly entire, with occasional low, palm fronds, trees and lianas in forest. This is a
obtusely protruding cells; lobe apex rounded but second site globally for this rare Ghanaian endemic,
ending in a small but distinct and sharp apiculus of 1 described from Subri Forest Reserve by Jones and Har-
(or 2) cells; mid-leaf cells 22–38 μm long × 17–30 μm rington (1983), highlighting the importance of Forest
wide, with medium-sized trigones and intermediate Reserves for rare and threatened bryophytes.
thickenings; most cells completely smooth, those *Cololejeunea capuronii Tixier; Eastern Region,
near apex and upper lobe margins occasionally coni- Atewa Forest, pool above Dokyi, 6.12861°N, 0.63278°W
cally mamillose; marginal cells smaller, ±quadrate, (8687), 750 m a.s.l., epiphyllous, 17 March 2014. After
12–25 μm, at least those on dorsal margin ± conically initially thinking that this specimen might represent
protuberant; 2–5 cells at centre of leaf base elongate, a new species (and reported as Cololejeunea sp. in
up to ca 75 μm long, although scarcely forming a Hodgetts et al. 2016), it was eventually noticed that it
vitta. Lobule ovate, 1/4–1/3 lobe length (or slightly was identical to C. capuronii, photographed in Fischer
larger, but not reaching 1/2 the lobe length), ± (2013). Further investigation by NGH and Tamás Pócs
inflated, not pressed flat against lobe distally; apical confirmed this view, and the specimen was named
JOURNAL OF BRYOLOGY 253
Figure 1. Cololejeunea ankasica N.G.Hodgetts. (A) Ventral view of portion of shoot. (B) Leaf lobe apex. (C) Leaf lobe base,
showing elongate cells. (D) Lobule, showing position of hyaline papilla at base of apical tooth (arrowed), and small proximal
tooth. (E) Dorsal view of perianth. (F) Ventral view of perianth. Drawn from the type, N. G. Hodgetts 10068.
254 N. G. HODGETTS ET AL.
accordingly. New to West Africa, and known otherwise autoica (Vanden Berghen) X.Q.Shi, R.L.Zhu & Gradst.
only from Rwanda and Madagascar, but very small [Archilejeunea autoica Vanden Berghen]. Apparently
and easy to overlook, so probably more widespread. widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, but some specimens
*Cololejeunea jamesii (Austin) M.E.Reiner & Pócs; may need redetermination.
Eastern Region, Atewa Forest, Sagyimase waterfalls, *Thysananthus humilis (Gottsche) Sukkharak &
6.24738°N, 0.53278°W (9628), 390 m a.s.l., epiphytic Gradst. [Mastigolejeunea humilis (Gottsche) Schiffn.];
on shoots of Racopilum P.Beauv., Pelekium Mitt. and Western Region, Ankasa Forest near Forestry Com-
Porotrichum (Brid.) Hampe on liana by waterfalls. New mission HQ and Ankasa Gate, 5.27985°N, 2.73596°W
to West Africa. Conf. T. Pócs. Also recorded from (9965, 9967), 5.29014°N, 2.63973°W (10087a), 50–
Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. 65 m a.s.l., epiphytic on tree trunks and in concrete
*Cololejeunea occidentalis (E.W.Jones) Vanden culvert; Eastern Region, near Dompem, 6.17215°N,
Berghen; Western Region, Ankasa Forest between 0.63084°W (9758) and Sagyimase, 6.23011°N,
Ankasa Gate and Bamboo Cathedral, 5.24755°N, 0.52489°W (9666), 230–440 m a.s.l., epiphytic on
2.64110°W (10038a), 75 m a.s.l., epiphyllous on small cocoa trees in plantations. Widespread in sub-
shrubs in forest. One small specimen was collected, Saharan Africa.
and it agrees moderately well with a specimen of Colo-
lejeunea occidentalis from Malawi, although it is small Lepidoziaceae
and the hyaline margin of the leaf lobe is only rather Telaranea diacantha (Mont.) J.J.Engel & G.L.Merr.;
weakly fimbriate. Principally a species of eastern and the specimen collected in 2014 (8847) was previously
southern Africa, otherwise known in West Africa only assigned to Telaranea coactilis (Spruce) J.J.Engel &
from Nigeria. G.L.Merr. (Hodgetts et al. 2016). This was re-examined
*Dibrachiella elobulata (Steph.) X.Q.Shi, R.L.Zhu & and compared with specimens in E, along with
Gradst. [Archilejeunea linguifolia Steph.]; Central further specimens collected in 2017 (9680, 9794,
Region, Nimere River, near Akoform and Akwekrom, 10001). Ghanaian material conforms to T. diacantha
5.27760°N, 1.30236°W (10218), ca 50 m a.s.l., on river- in that the leaf lobes are 4–6 cells long, and the cells
side rocks; Kakum River, near Akwekrom and Nkwan- are relatively long and narrow (T. coactilis has leaf
tana, 5.28003°N, 1.28668°W (10220), 5.28011°N, lobes 8–10 cells long with the cells relatively short
1.28651°W (10225), 55–75 m a.s.l., on periodically sub- and wide). However, the cells are also thin-walled
merged riverside rocks, tree bases and exposed tree and bulging, with constrictions at the cell junctions,
roots in several places along river. Widespread but and thus resemble the related neotropical species
not commonly collected in sub-Saharan Africa, but T. sejuncta (Ångstr.) S.W.Arnell, albeit with shorter leaf
probably often overlooked. lobes. Furthermore, the Ghanaian material is clearly
*Dibrachiella jonesii (Vanden Berghen) X.Q.Shi, different from T. diacantha specimens from Madagas-
R.L.Zhu & Gradst. [Archilejeunea jonesii Vanden car, which conforms very well to the description in
Berghen]; Western Region, Ankasa Forest near Engel and Merrill (2004). Pócs (1984) treats T. coactilis
Ankasa Gate, 5.21684°N, 2.65197°W (9991), ca 55 m and T. diacantha as synonymous (under Arachniopsis
a.s.l., epiphyllous on trees and shrubs in forest. Also diacantha (Mont.) Howe), and also comments, ‘Ara-
recorded from Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Equatorial chniopsis capillacea Steph. presents a transitional
Guinea (Rio Muni) and the Central African Republic. form between the two varieties, previously known as
*Lejeunea cyathearum E.W.Jones; Central Region, A. diacantha and A. coactilis. Both varieties and tran-
Kakum Forest reception area, 5.34888°N, 1.38374°W sitions occur within the whole range of distribution,
(10144, 10199), ca 145 m a.s.l., epiphytic on palm tree being widespread in tropical Africa, South Africa,
in tourist reception area. New to West Africa. Also Madagascar and in the Mascarenes.’ It therefore
known from DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi seems likely that the Ghanaian material represents
and Comoros, but ‘probably more widespread’ (Wig- this transitional form, which is not easily assigned to
ginton 2004). Originally collected from Cyathea Sm. either of the taxa recognised by Engel and Merrill
tree ferns, this species has a much wider ecological (2004) but can be accommodated in the broader
amplitude, having also been found on bamboo interpretation of T. diacantha proposed by Pócs
stems and shady earth banks (Pócs 1993), and rotten (1984). Alternatively, it could represent a third
logs and tree bases (Enroth et al. 2019). species, but there is clearly further work to do on
Spruceanthus abbreviatus (Mitt.) X.Q.Shi, R.L.Zhu & African Telaranea before a firm conclusion can be
Gradst. [Archilejeunea abbreviata (Mitt.) Vanden reached.
Berghen]; Eastern Region, Atewa Forest, summit Telaranea redacta (Steph.) J.J.Engel & G.L.Merr.;
ridge, 6.23747°N, 0.55875°W (9752), ca 800 m a.s.l., on specimens collected in 2014 (8843–8846) were pre-
fallen branch; all the specimens reported as Archilejeu- viously assigned to Telaranea nematodes (Gottsche ex
nea abbreviata in Hodgetts et al. (2016) that have been Austin) M.Howe (Hodgetts et al. 2016). However, on
re-examined (8572–8574, 8576, 8577) are Dibrachiella re-examination and comparison with herbarium
JOURNAL OF BRYOLOGY 255
specimens, all appear to be T. redacta, which was first was removed from synonymy with F. weirii by Diop
listed for Ghana (identified from material collected by et al. (2018).
P. W. Richards in Atewa Forest) by Engel and Merrill *Fissidens diaphanodontus (P.de la Varde) Bizot;
(2004). It is therefore doubtful whether T. nematodes Eastern Region, Atewa Forest, above Sagyimase,
has been correctly reported from Ghana. 6.23194°N, 0.55093°W (9674), ca 640 m a.s.l., on tree
trunk in forest. Det. M.A. Bruggeman-Nannenga. This
Ricciaceae species, described and illustrated by Potier de la
*Riccia discolor Lehm.; Greater Accra Region, Varde (1951) as Moenkemeyera diaphanodonta P.de la
Legon, University Plant & Environmental Biology Varde, is similar to Fissidens punctulatus Sande Lac.
Dept., 5.65409°N, 0.18655°W (10262, 10263), ca 95 m but elimbate. New to West Africa, recorded elsewhere
altitude, on bare compacted soil in lawn, with Riccia from Central African Republic and Tanzania.
congoana Steph. Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. *Fissidens harringtonii Brugg.-Nann.; Central
Region, Kakum River, near Nkwantana, 5.28011°N,
MOSSES 1.28651°W (10223a), ca 55 m a.s.l., on riverside banks
Archidiaceae and rocks below bamboo stand. An aquatic species
*Archidium ohioense Schimp. ex Müll.Hal.; Greater otherwise known only from the type collection from
Accra Region, Legon, University Plant and Environ- Sierra Leone (Bruggeman-Nannenga 2005).
mental Biology Department, 5.65409°N, 0.18655°W *Fissidens usambaricus Broth.; Eastern Region,
(10261), ca 95 m a.s.l., on bare compacted soil in Atewa Forest, Sagyimase waterfalls, 6.24738°N,
lawn, with Riccia L. spp. Widespread in sub-Saharan 0.53278°W (9632), ca 390 m a.s.l., on soil bank near
Africa. waterfall. Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa.
Bartramiaceae Hypnaceae
*Philonotis mniobryoides Broth. var. mnio- All Ghanaian material of Vesicularia (Müll.Hal.) Müll.Hal.
bryoides; Western Region, Kakum Forest, 5.34888°N, collected in 2014 and 2017 was re-examined in the
1.38374°W (10142), ca 145 m a.s.l., epiphytic on palm light of studying a wide range of herbarium specimens,
tree in tourist reception area; Eastern Region, Atewa mainly in E. This has resulted in the following determi-
Forest, Sagyimase waterfalls, 6.24738°N, 0.53278°W nations and redeterminations.
(9620), ca 390 m a.s.l., on rocks by waterfalls. Endemic Vesicularia galerulata (Duby) Broth.; Central
to West and Central Africa. Region, Kakum Forest, near reception area, 5.35692°
N, 1.38789°W (10167), ca 200 m a.s.l., epiphytic on
Calymperaceae shrubs and lianas; Nimere River, between Akroform
*Syrrhopodon disciformis Dusén; Western Region, and Akwekrom, 5.27760°N, 1.30236°W (10217a), ca
Ankasa Forest near Forestry Commission HQ, 50 m a.s.l., on riverside rocks. Several specimens col-
5.27511°N, 2.72899°W (9953), 5.27736°N, 2.73459°W lected in Atewa Forest in 2014 have also been
(9887), 5.27433°N, 2.71994°W (9962), Ankasa Gate, confirmed as this species, including from the narrow
5.21640°N, 2.65003°W (10005), and Bamboo Cathedral, forest ‘neck’ from Akimapapam–Larbikrom, 6.17095°N,
5.28619°N, 2.64168°W (10061a), 5.27754°N, 2.64503°W 0.60866°W (8966), above Dokyi, 6.12861°N, 0.63278°W
(10086a), 40–90 m a.s.l., epiphytic on various trees (8968), and Sagyimase, 6.23278°N, 0.54986°W (8962),
(including cocoa plantations); Green Palm Lodge, 440–680 m a.s.l., epiphytic and on dead wood and
Elubo, 5.29001°N, 2.75437°W (9875), 25 m a.s.l., on soil. Specimens are characterised by the strong differen-
shrub in hotel garden; Central Region, Kakum Forest, tiation between stem and branch leaves, the ovate-
5.34753°N, 1.38312°W (10257), ca 135 m a.s.l., epiphytic lanceolate stem leaves tapering gradually to a long,
on planted Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach. & fine, weakly toothed acumen, the branch leaves much
Thonn.) Daniell shrubs by guest lodge; Eastern shorter; and the mid-leaf cells of the stem leaves aver-
Region, near Dompem, 6.17215°N, 0.63084°W (9781), aging 70–90 × 20–25 μm.
ca 230 m a.s.l., on cocoa trees in roadside plantation. Vesicularia ischyropteris (Broth.) Müll.Hal.; Western
Most specimens conf. or det. L.T. Ellis. Uncommon Region, Ankasa Forest, nr. Bamboo Cathedral, 5.28674°
but possibly overlooked in West and Central Africa. N, 2.64226°W (10052), ca 90 m a.s.l., epiphytic on
exposed tree root; Eastern Region, Atewa Forest,
Fissidentaceae above Sagyimase, 6.23219°N, 0.55308°W (9682), ca
Fissidens dasyphus Welw. & Duby; previously 670 m a.s.l., on felled log. Very similar to Vesicularia
reported (Hodgetts et al. 2016) from Atewa Forest as galerulata (see Hedenäs and Watling 2005), and
Fissidens weirii Mitt. (8822, 8823), and also collected perhaps conspecific, but with stem leaves tapering
there in 2017 (9633, 9647), as well as in Ankasa Forest more abruptly to the long fine acumen, and mid-leaf
(10059), Kakum Forest (10162, 10221, 10244, 10256) cells narrower, averaging 12–15 μm wide.
and Aburi Botanical Gardens (10136). This species V. tenuatipes (Müll.Hal.) Broth. seems to be very
256 N. G. HODGETTS ET AL.
similar to V. galerulata and V. ischyropteris, apparently Pilotrichaceae
differing only in its entire acumen. *Hypopterygium tamarisci (Sw. ex Sw.) Brid. ex
*Vesicularia nigeriana Broth. & Paris; Central Müll.Hal.; Eastern Region, Atewa Forest, above Appam-
Region, Kakum River, near Nkwantana, 5.28011°N patia, 6.23785°N, 0.59400°W (9790a), 6.23774°N,
1.28651°W (10226), ca 55 m altitude, on periodically 0.59276°W (field record – no specimen), and Sagyimase
submerged rocks in river; Eastern Region, Atewa waterfalls, 6.24738°N, 0.53278°W (9614), 390–435 m
Forest, several localities, including Tete, 6.21040°N, a.s.l., on rocks by streams and waterfalls. A widespread
0.55197°W (8963), swamp forest above Bomaa, pantropical species.
6.27299°N, 0.55354°W (8964), and above Sagyimase,
6.24690°N, 0.55598°W (8969), 290–700 m a.s.l., on Pottiaceae
rocks and rotten wood by waterfalls. These include *Chionoloma hyalinoblastum (Broth.) S.Alonso,
revised records from March 2014, previously reported M.J.Cano & J.A.Jiménez; Eastern Region, Atewa
as Vesicularia galerulata (Hodgetts et al. 2016). These Forest, summit ridge, 6.24301°N, 0.55623°W (9738), ca
specimens have little differentiation between stem 850 m a.s.l., on rotten log. This species was transferred
and branch leaves, both being asymmetrical, ± oval to Chionoloma Dixon by Alonso et al. (2019), who con-
and apiculate or very shortly acuminate, with the sidered Trichostomum calymperaceum Broth. & Paris,
mid-leaf cells of the stem leaves averaging 50–70 μm T. ligulaefolium (Broth. & Paris) R.H.Zander and
long. V. glaucula (Broth.) Broth. is apparently very T. lorifolium Broth. & Paris to be synonyms. Widespread
similar but with symmetrical leaves. in sub-Saharan Africa.
*Vesicularia oreadelphus (Broth.) Broth.; Western *Hydrogonium orientale (F.Weber) Kučera [Barbula
Region, Ankasa Forest, near Forestry Commission indica (Hook.) Spreng. in Steud.]; Western Region,
HQ, 5.27792°N, 2.73590°W (9882) and 5.27473°N, Green Palm Lodge, Elubo, 5.29001°N, 2.75437°W
2.71894°W (9959), ca 65 m a.s.l., epiphytic on tree (9873), 25 m a.s.l., on ground in hotel garden; Eastern
trunk in secondary forest and on rocks by stream; Region, Kibi, 6.15651°N, 0.55206°W (9866), ca 300 m
Eastern Region, Atewa Forest, between Akimapapam a.s.l., on breeze blocks by road in town. This species
and Larbikrom, 6.17032°N, 0.60446°W (8965), ca was transferred from Barbula Hedw. to Hydrogonium
490 m a.s.l., on dead tree trunk. The latter is a revised (Müll.Hal.) A.Jaeger by Kučera et al. (2013). It is a
record from March 2014, previously reported as Vesicu- common ruderal species throughout the tropics and
laria galerulata (Hodgetts et al. 2016). There is little subtropics.
differentiation between stem and branch leaves,
both being lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate and Pylaisiadelphaceae
tapering to a very long, fine acumen; the mid-leaf *Taxithelium homalophyllum (Mitt.) Broth.; Central
cells of the stem leaves average 80–120 μm long and Region, Kakum Forest, north of reception area,
are up to ca 15 μm wide. 5.35569°N, 1.38121°W (10152, 10182, 10192a), ca
*Vesicularia soyauxii (Müll.Hal.) Broth.; Eastern 180 m a.s.l., epiphytic on tree trunks and lianas and
Region, Atewa Forest, above Sagyimase, 6.24641°N, on wet rocks by river; Eastern Region, Atewa Forest,
0.53287°W (9657), ca 390 m a.s.l., on rotting log in above Appampatia, 6.23774°N, 0.59276°W (9816), ca
forest. Very close to Vesicularia oreadelphus but the 445 m a.s.l., epiphytic on lianas over waterfalls;
leaves are slightly wider, with the mid-leaf cells of Potroase, Birim-Kenseng stream, 6.11491°N, 0.59542°
the stem leaves up to ca 20 μm wide. W (9033), ca 450 m altitude, on rock (the latter from
Notes. There is considerable variation in morphology March 2014). This species was collected earlier by
between these specimens of Vesicularia, but whether G. Ameka (Western Region, downstream of bridge on
the differences observed represent different species Ankasa River, on road to Game and Wildlife Camp in
is another matter, and the assigned names must there- Ankasa FR, 5°13′N, 2°39′W, ca 15 m a.s.l., on rock in
fore be regarded as provisional. There are almost cer- river, 19 February 1995, G. Ameka 209, herb. E), and
tainly too many names in African Vesicularia, and a identified by C. C. Townsend as Taxithelium compressi-
taxonomic revision is required. caule Broth. T. glabriusculum Broth. and
T. compressicaule are now both considered synonyms
Meteoriaceae of T. homalophyllum (Câmara 2011).
*Floribundaria vaginans (Welw. & Duby) Broth.; *Taxithelium ramivagum Broth.; Western Region,
Eastern Region, Aburi Botanical Gardens, 5.85138°N, Ankasa Forest, near Forestry Commission HQ,
0.17277°W (10102), ca 460 m a.s.l., epiphytic on 5.27665°N, 2.73173°W (9888), 5.27433°N, 2.71994°W
Spanish cedar Cedrela odorata L. Widespread in in (9960), and between Ankasa Gate and Bamboo Cathe-
central and eastern Africa but apparently rare in West dral, 5.24755°N, 2.64110°W (10046), 50–75 m a.s.l., epi-
Africa. phytic on trees and shrubs in forest. Widespread in
JOURNAL OF BRYOLOGY 257
West Africa. Nannenga, Len Ellis (The Natural History Museum, London),
Dr Neil Bell and Dr David Long (Royal Botanic Garden Edin-
Sematophyllaceae burgh), Dr Catherine Reeb (Muséum National d’Histoire Nat-
urelle, Paris), Martin Wigginton†, and especially Dr Tamás
*Trichosteleum tisserantii P.de la Varde; Western Pócs (Esterházy Károly University, Eger), who suggested
Region, Ankasa Forest, nr. Forestry Commission HQ, that Cololejeunea ankasica should be described as a new
5.27985°N, 2.73596°W (9968a), ca 50 m a.s.l., on earth species.
bank by concrete culvert. The specimen is best
assigned to this species, although it appears to be
somewhat intermediate to Trichosteleum microcalyx Funding
Renauld & Cardot: the papillae do not start immedi- The British Bryological Society Bequest provided generous
ately above the leaf base, but the margins are distinctly contributions, which covered the cost of NGH’s airfare to
(albeit weakly) toothed. Otherwise known only from Ghana and visiting herbaria in the UK.
Côte d’Ivoire and the Central African Republic.
Stereophyllaceae Notes on contributors
*Stereophyllum radiculosum (Hook.) Mitt.; Central Nick Hodgetts is a consultant bryologist involved in research,
Region, Akwekrom, Kakum River near Asuansi Techni- survey and conservation in the UK, Europe and Africa.
cal Institute, 5.29469°N, 1.26719°W (10237), ca 75 m Gabriel Ameka is Professor of Organismic Biology at the
a.s.l., on periodically submerged rocks by river. Accord- Department of Plant and Environmental Biology, University
ing to the Flora of North America (Buck and Ireland of Ghana.
2014), Stereophyllum Mitt. contains only two species, Ransford Agyei is a Conservation and Research Development
with S. radiculosum widespread and S. linisii Enroth & Officer with A Rocha Ghana.
B.C.Tan restricted to the Philippines (Enroth and Tan Christopher Dankwah is Community Liaison Officer with A
2007), so previous records of S. andungense (Welw. & Rocha Ghana.
Duby) A.Gepp in Ghana (O’Shea 2006) should probably
be transferred to S. radiculosum. However, specimens
of S. andungense have not been examined. References
Alonso M, Jiménez JA, Cano MJ. 2019. Taxonomic revision of
Thuidiaceae Chionoloma (Pottiaceae, Bryophyta). Annals of the
*Pelekium investe (Mitt.) Touw; Eastern Region, Missouri Botanic Garden. 104:563–632.
Atewa Forest, Sagyimase waterfalls, 6.24738°N, Bruggeman-Nannenga MA. 2005. Two new species of
0.53278°W (9613, 9631), ca 390 m a.s.l.., on rocks by Fissidens (Fissidentaceae, Musci) from Africa, Fissidens har-
ringtonii and Fissidens artsii. Tropical Bryology. 26:13–17.
waterfalls. Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. Buck WR, Ireland RR. 2014. Stereophyllaceae W.R.Buck &
Ireland. In: Flora of North America Editorial Committee,
Trachyphyllaceae editors. Flora of North America north of Mexico. Vol. 28,
Trachyphyllum inflexum (Harv.) A.Gepp in Hiern; a Bryophyta, Part 2. New York: Oxford University Press;
specimen of this plant, supposedly from Ghana, was p. 470–471.
Câmara PEAS. 2011. A review of Taxithelium subgenus
found in GC (GC39304), but without any further collec- Taxithelium (Bryophyta, Pylaisiadelphaceae). Systematic
tion details. This species is widespread in eastern and Botany. 36:824–835.
southern Africa and the East African islands but Diop D, Diop D, Bruggeman-Nannenga MA, Mbaye MS, Noba
unknown from West Africa, so its provenance should K, Hedenäs L, Gradstein SR, Reeb C, Vanderpoorten A.
probably be regarded as doubtful in the absence of 2018. Bryophytes of Kédougou (Eastern Senegal), with a
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Acknowledgements and phylogenetic study of Telaranea (Lepidoziaceae), with
a monograph of the genus in temperate Australasia and
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