Supraspecific circumscription and classification of Campylopus (Dicranaceae, Bryopsida) based on inferences from sequence data

The monophyly of Campylopus and its relationships to other genera of the Dicranaceae-Campylopodioideae, especially Bryolmmbertia and Pilopogon, have been ambiguous. To evaluate inter- and intrageneric relationships of Campylopus, Maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood calculations of sequences from the chloroplast DNA (trnT (UGU)-trnL(UAA) spacer / trnL(UAA) 5' exon / trnL(UAA) intron, atpB-rbcL spacer) and the nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS1 / 5.8S / ITS2 / partial 26S) were performed. Analyses of the cpDNA sequences and the more conserved nrDNA parts (5.8S, partial ITS1, ITS2 and 26S) confirm the monephyly of a clade comprising the Campylopodioideae plus Leucobryum (Leucobryaceae), as proposed by previous molecular studies. Monophyly of Campylopus, including Bryolmmbertia, and a sistergroup relationship to Pilopogon are also strongly supported by the cpDNA data. Relationships within Campylopus are only partially resolved due to low sequence variability in the cpDNA and homoplastic substitutions and indels. The present division of Campylopus into three subgenera is not supported by the molecular trees.