Integrative taxonomy substantiates the presence of three Radula species in Austria: Radula complanata, R-lindenbergiana, and R. visianica (Porellales, Jungermanniopsida)

Abstract

A chloroplast DNA phylogeny of Radula substantiates the presence of three Radula species in Austria, R. complanata, R. lindenbergiana and R. visianica, all members of subg. Radula.

Radula visianica has been observed at a few localities in the Austrian Alps, and is resolved in a sister relationship with a clade comprising R. complanata, R. jonesii, R. lindenbergiana and R. quadrata. Radula visianica resembles tiny alpine forms of R. lindenbergiana but differs in its more narrowly ovate leaf lobes and slightly more elongate leaf lobules.

Despite extensive morphological overlap, molecular evidence unambiguously supports separate species status.

Keywords

• Holarctic
• liverwort
• molecular phylogeny
• Radulaceae