A New Moss Flora of New Zealand
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| Bryophyte cushions at the base of Nothofagus fusca in South Island montane forest. |
- The Moss Flora Project
- Characteristics of the Indigenous Moss Flora
- Adventives
- New Zealand's Vegetation
- Conclusions and the Future
Moss Flora samples:
Images: Sample plates
Text: Buxbaumia
The Moss Flora Project
A comprehensive Moss Flora of New Zealand is currently being prepared to provide a fully illustrated, modern flora to supercede that of Sainsbury (1955). A flora was published by Beever et al. (1992) and a Checklist of New Zealand mosses was provided by Fife (1995). We expect to complete a draft text by 2003 with the aim of publication 1-2 years later.
Most treatments will be prepared in New Zealand by Allan Fife, Jessica Beever (Fissidens, Pottiaceae), and Ray Tangney (Polytrichaceae, Lembophyllaceae). Family or generic treatments by overseas specialists for particular groups will also be incorporated, including those of the Andreaeaceae (B. Murray, Univ. of Alaska), Cryphaeaceae (J. Enroth, Univ. of Helsinki), Hypopterygiaceae (J.D. Kruijer, Rijksherbarium, Leiden), and Pohlia (A.J. Shaw, Duke Univ.). Groups not yet been completed include Dicranaceae, Amblystegiaceae, Sematophyllaceae, and Brachytheciaceae. In addition to field observations made in all parts of New Zealand, the major herbaria of New Zealand (CHR, WELT, and AK) are the principal sources of distributional data; historically important and type material, particularly that in BM, is also being examined routinely.
The geographic area encompassed in the Flora includes the three main islands of New Zealand and associated inshore islands, as well as the Kermadec, Chatham, Solander, Snares, Bounty, Auckland, Antipodes, Campbell, and Macquarie islands, spanning a latitude range from 29°to 55°South. This corresponds to the New Zealand Botanical Region defined by Allan (1961) and specifically excludes Lord Howe and Norfolk islands.
Diagnostic features of all taxa will be illustrated by line drawings prepared by Rebecca Wagstaff. Representative illustrations, of the genera Atrichum, Fallaciella, Pleurophascum, Buxbaumia and Ephemeropsis can be seen on the sample plates page.
Sample text discussing the two New Zealand representatives of the genus Buxbaumia can also be viewed.
Primary Contact:
 | Allan Fife Email  |
Landcare Research | |
Phone: +64 3 321 9999 |