An annotated checklist of the mosses of Europe and Macaronesia

TLDR

The moss flora of Europe and Macaronesia includes 278 genera and 1,292 species, with 53 endemic to Macaronesia and 21 considered non‑native, yet taxonomic uncertainties persist despite molecular advances, limiting new classifications. The checklist was compiled from national and regional lists published up to 2005, incorporating subspecies and varieties but excluding hybrids. The resulting checklist proposes four new taxonomic combinations and one status change.

Abstract

The moss flora of Europe and Macaronesia comprises 278 genera, 1292 species, 46 subspecies and 118 varieties. Of the total 1292 species, 53 are confined to Macaronesia and 21 are thought to be non-native. The checklist was derived from those for the various component countries and regions. It is based on results published up to the end of 2005. Subspecies and varieties are included; hybrids are omitted. The taxonomic hierarchy is based on one published by Goffinet & Buck in 2004. While it has been strongly influenced by results of modern molecular methods, there are still many remaining uncertainties, even at family level. Because of these uncertainties, taxonomic innovation has generally been avoided. There are four new combinations and one change of status.