A taxonomic revision of Echinocolea (Lejeuneaceae, hepaticae)

Echinocolea R.M.Schust. was usually considered close to Prionolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn. but a taxonomic revision shows that they are unrelated. The rough external face of the leaf, the typical distinguishing feature of Echinocolea, proves to be highly variable and is also found in some species of Lejeunea Lib. As the genus Echinocolea shares all of its characters with Lejeunea and the five species formerly placed in Echinocolea are transferred to Lejeunea, described and illustrated. Lejeunea meridensis Ilkiu-Borges sp. nov., from Merida, Venezuela is newly described and L. reinerae Ilkiu-Borges nom. nov. replaces Echinocolea herzogii Mizut. E Grolle. Prionolejeunea glauca Steph., P. immersa Steph. and Echinocolea dilatata (A.Evans) R.M.Schust. are new synonyms of Lejeunea subspathulata Spruce.