Bryophyte special issue

Contributions

A preliminary study of bryophytes and invertebrates of soil crusts
in the Little Desert National Park and surrounds

Josephine Milne, Megan Short and Karen Beckmann

Abstract
This study is preliminary to ongoing investigations of soil crusts and associated invertebrates in north-west Victoria, focusing on the Little Desert National Park. Ninety quadrats from nine sites were sampled. Eighteen bryophyte species (nine mosses, nine liverworts) were identified within the quadrats. All invertebrates were from the Phylum Arthropoda. Overall abundance and diversity of invertebrates was low. While sampling in the drier months is valuable for observing the dynamics of soil crusts in this region, a more comprehensive assessment of species diversity is gained by sampling during wetter periods.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 195-203)

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A pictorial representation of peristomal architecture

Chris Tyshing and Maria Gibson

Abstract
The terminology associated with the use of peristomes in the identification and classification of mosses is cumbersome and difficult to understand. This paper provides a pictorial explanation of peristomal architecture with its associated terminology, such as nematodontous and arthrodontous peristomes, and the division of the latter into diplolepideous and haplolepideous peristomes.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 203-211)

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Studies on Victorian bryophytes 4. The genus Fabronia Raddi

David Meagher

Abstract
Fabronia australis Hook. is the only species of the moss genus Fabronia in Victoria. This species is described, its distribution in Victoria is delineated, and its conservation status is assessed. Victorian records of F. hampeana Sond. are rejected.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 212-215)
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Melbourne's marvellous mosses

Helen Jolley

Abstract
The State Botanical Collection in the National Herbarium of Victoria (MEL) includes more than 49,000 mosses. MEL’s Australian moss collection has been databased and curated and contains representatives of all Victorian taxa and 76% of Australian taxa. A timeline of MEL’s Australian moss collections shows that during the 1940s-80s, the collection has benefited from the activities of three significant collectors – JH Willis, AC Beauglehole and IG Stone. Australia’s Virtual Herbarium project provides access to MEL’s moss data via the Royal Botanic Gardens website.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123, (4), 2006, 215-221)

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Epiphytes on Nothofagus cunninghamii and Eucalyptus regnans
in a Victorian cool temperate rainforest

Claudette Kellar, Megan Short and Josephine Milne

Abstract
This study investigated the epiphytic communities on Myrtle Beech Nothofagus cunninghamii (Hook.) Oerst. and Mountain Ash Eucalyptus regnans F.Muell. trees in a pocket of Cool Temperate Rainforest in the Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria, Australia. Twenty species were identified growing on N. cunninghamii, with nine species found on E. regnans. The dominant epiphytes were the moss Dicranoloma menziesii on N. cunninghamii, and the liverwort Bazzania adnexa var. adnexa on E. regnans.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 222-229)

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Epiphytic bryophytes of Dicksonia antarctica Labill. from selected pockets
of Cool Temperate Rainforest, Central Highands, Victoria

Aaron B Floyed and Maria Gibson

Abstract
Epiphytic bryophytes of the Soft Tree-fern Dicksonia antarctica Labill. were examined in four Cool Temperate Rainforest pockets of the Central Highlands of Victoria. Thirty-two species, 17 mosses and 15 liverworts, were noted. There was no distinction in species assemblage between the north and south side of tree-ferns although bryophytes occurred on the south side of more tree-ferns than they did on the north side.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 229-235)

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Studies on Victorian bryophytes 5. Key to leafy liverworts

David Meagher

Abstract
A new key to the genera and many species of leafy liverworts in Victoria is provided.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 236-247)

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Studies on Victorian bryophytes 6. Key to thallose liverworts and hornworts

David Meagher

Abstract
A new key to the genera and many species of thallose liverworts and hornworts (except Fossombronia and Riccia species) in Victoria is provided.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 247-254)

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Bryophyte distribution in Blackwood forests of the Otway Ranges, Victoria

Matthew Dell and John Jenkin

Abstract
Tracheophyte and bryophyte distribution was surveyed in nineteen Blackwood–dominated sites of two different origins in the Otway Ranges. Nine sites were placed in sheltered gullies and ten sites were placed in upslope stands. Fifty-one tracheophyte taxa, 49 moss taxa and 39 liverwort (including hornwort) taxa were recorded in total. Bryophyte species richness was significantly higher in gully sites. The most frequent bryophyte taxa varied between gully and upslope sites. The percentage occurrence of certain substrates was shown to be an important determinant of bryophyte species richness and composition. Decaying wood and soil supported the greatest number of bryophyte taxa compared with all other substrates.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 255-268)

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The sexual reproduction and phenology of Atrichum androgynum (Müll.Hal.) A.Jaeger

Louise Biggs and Maria Gibson

Abstract
Two populations of Atrichum androgynum (Müll.Hal.) A.Jaeger from differing habitats were investigated. Within both populations perichaetia were observed more frequently than perigonia, although the number of antheridia was greater than the number of archegonia. A clear seasonality in the sequence and timing of sexual reproduction occurred, with little variation due to habitat. Antheridia began development in spring, after sporophytes had reached maturity. Initiation of archegonial development occurred approximately one month later. Spores were isosporic and 3 µm in diameter. Release of mature spores peaked in spring. The sporophyte maturation cycle of A. androgynum was 12 months.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (4), 2006, 270-278)

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