Recircumscription of Lopholejeunea sikkimensis (Lejeuneaceae: Marchantiophyta) and its varieties in India

The taxonomy of Lopholejeunea sikkimensis var. tenuicostata, L. sikkimensis var. kumaunii and L. sikkimensis var. dentata is evaluated. Based on study of numerous collections of L. sikkimensis, followed by comparison with the protologues of the varieties, we conclude that var. tenuicostata and var. kumaunii are not distinct from the typical variety. Hence both the varieties are placed here under synonymy of L. sikkimensis. Lopholejeunea sikkimensis var. dentata, however, is accepted as a distinct taxon. A detailed revised taxonomic description of L. sikkimensis is provided along with line drawing illustration and photographic plate for future identification and reference.