<i>Neophoenix (Pottiaceae),</i> a new African moss genus found through soil diaspore bank analysis

Summary Zander, R. H. & During, H. J.: Neophoenix (Pottiaceae), a new African moss genus found through soil diaspore bank analysis. – Taxon 48: 657‐662. 1999. – ISSN 0040‐0262. Neophoenix matoposensis is a newly described taxon obtained after forced growth from soil of experimental fire plots in southern Zimbabwe. It is related to three other austral genera with transparent thecae, but differs in several gametophytic and sporophytic characters. Forced diaspore bank analysis is shown to be of value in uncovering mosses that are small in stature and appear to have a short life cycle and limited time of above‐ground exposure. The technique may prove useful in biodiversity analysis in general. Two similarly hyalothecoid pottiaceous species were also uncovered in soil samples from the same area: Bryoceuthospora aethiopica is new to Zimbabwe, Uleobryum occultum (of which U. curtisii is a new synonym) is new to Africa, having been previously known from Brazil and Australia.