Riccardia vitrea (Aneuraceae), a liverwort species new to China and North America

The liverwort species Riccardia vitrea Furuki (Aneuraceae) is reported for the first time for China and North America (Canada). This report is primarily focused on its occurrence in Canada.. Riccardia vitrea is characterized by numerous small oil bodies in both epidermal and inner cells, and by prostrate, wide and poorly developed ultimate pinnules, and is thus easily distinguished from other Canadian species of the genus. This constitutes a significant extension of its known range from East Asia to North America. This species could be overlooked owing to the fact that dry specimens without oil bodies are often used in identification, and it is probably more widespread than currently known in the boreal forests of Canada. Illustrations and descriptions based on the Canadian specimens are provided with a key for Canadian species of the genus.

Automated summary

This study reports the liverwort species Riccardia vitrea in China and North America (Canada) for the first time, with a focus on its occurrence in Canada. Riccardia vitrea is characterized by numerous small oil bodies in both epidermal and inner cells, as well as prostrate, wide and poorly developed ultimate pinnules, making it easily distinguishable from other Canadian species of the genus. This discovery represents a significant extension of its known range and suggests that this species may be more widespread in the boreal forests of Canada than currently known.