Syntrichia splendida M.T.Gallego & M.J.Cano (Pottiaceae), a new moss species from northern Chile

ABSTRACT Introduction While studying material of South American Syntrichia for a worldwide revision of the genus, we found that a specimen collected in Parinacota (Chile) did not match the concept of any species known in the genus. We present our argument for recognising this specimen of a South American Syntrichia from Chile as a new species and describe its differentiation from other closely related taxa. Methods About 3500 specimens from South America belonging to Syntrichia were studied, using conventional anatomical and morphological methods. Additionally, most of the type material of the taxa attributed to this genus, from throughout the world, was examined. Photographs of key features of the species were obtained for the preparation of illustrations for publication. Key results and conclusions A new moss species, Syntrichia splendida M.T.Gallego & M.J.Cano, from northern Chile, is described and illustrated. The species is strikingly distinguished by its abruptly contracted apices to a linear, pluricellular, papillose, mucronate, strongly toothed and chlorophyllose caducous propagule. Possible confusion with other closely related taxa is discussed.