Altitudinal additamenta to the uppermost ranges of mosses in Ecuador

Abstract

Of the 26 mosses listed in this report Amblystegium varium, Calliergonella cuspidata, Chrysoblastella chilensis, Drepanocladus aduncus, D. revolvens, Racomitium geronticum, and Scorpidium turgescens are new to the Ecuador moss-flora. The others listed provide updated reports on what was previously stated as their highest altitudinal ranges in both this country and the Neotropics. The taxonomic status of Drepanoclaus leitensis, D. polycarpus, Hypnum lacunosum and Racomitrium geronticum are discussed. Collections were made at: Chimborazo Volcano 4700-5200m, Cotopaxi Volcano 3900-4500m, Laguna Toreadore - peak of Patul Mt. 3800-4500m and on N. Tungurahua Mt., close to the tree limit at ca. 3800m.