Proposal to conserve the name Webera tenuifolia (Pohlia tenuifolia) against Bryum humile (P. humilis) (Bryophyta).

Abstract

In the framework of a revision of the neotropical members of the genus Pohlia, we found that Pohlia humilis (Mont) Broth. (in Engler & Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 1(3*): 549. 1903), a neglected species from Chile is synonymous with P. tenuifolia, and its basionym, Bryum humile, predates Webera tenuifolia the basionym of P. tenuifolia. Until now, the identity of P. humilis remained unknown and the name has only been listed in a few catalogues, e.g., in He (in J. Hattori Bot. Lab. 85: 152. 1998) and Greene (in Consp. Mosses Antarctica. 206. 1986). It was considered as an insufficiently known species by Crosby & al. (in Checkl. Mosses: 189. 1999). The type material of P. humilis consists of well-preserved fertile plants and is in agreement with the protologue. In summary, the name P. humilis has remained scarcely used and insufficiently known since its description. Therefore, to maintain common usage, conserving the name Webera tenuifolia, the basionym of P. tenuifolia against Bryum humile, the basionym of P. humilis, as is here proposed, seems desirable. Acceptance of the present proposal would enhance nomenclatural stability (Art. 14.1 of the ICBN, McNeill & al. in Regnum Veg.: 146. 2006). If the proposal were to be rejected, the name P. humilis would have to replace the widely used P. tenuifolia, which would be highly undesirable.