Currently, a wide range of genomic techniques is available at a relatively affordable price. However, not all of them have been equally explored in bryophyte systematics. In the present study, we apply next‐generation sequencing to identify samples that cannot be assigned to a taxon by morphological analysis or by Sanger sequencing methods. These samples correspond to a moss with an enigmatic morphology that has been found throughout Western Europe over the last two decades. They exhibit several anomalies in the gametophyte and, on the rare occasions that they appear, also in the sporophyte. The most significant alterations are related to the shape of the leaves. Morphologically, all specimens correspond to mosses of the genus Lewinskya, and the least modified samples are potentially attributable to the Lewinskya affinis complex. Specimen identifications were first attempted using up to seven molecular markers with no satisfactory results. Thus, we employed data generated from targeted enrichment using the GoFlag 408 flagellate land plant probe set to elucidate their identity. Our results demonstrate that all the enigmatic samples correspond to a single species, L. affinis s.str. This approach provided the necessary resolution to confidently identify these challenging samples and may be a powerful tool for similar cases, especially in bryophytes.

In recent years, phylogenomic approaches have significantly deepened our understanding of moss diversity. These techniques have uncovered numerous previously overlooked species and provided greater clarity in resolving complex taxonomic relationships. In this context, the genus Rehubryum is particularly outstanding, because of its close morphological similarity to both Ulota and Atlantichella. The challenges posed by its segregation are addressed in this study, which integrates morphological and molecular data to reassess the circumscription of Rehubryum and its phylogenetic placement within the subtribe Lewinskyinae. Our results support the recognition of a new species, R. kiwi, and show that its inclusion within the genus further complicates the morphological delimitation of Rehubryum from Ulota, as both genera are distinguishable by only two consistent gametophytic characteristics: a submarginal leaf band of elongated cells, and the presence of geminate denticulations in the margins of the basal half of the leaf. Moreover, R. kiwi challenges the current morphological circumscription of Rehubryum itself, as it overlaps in key characteristics with its sister genus Atlantichella, rendering their morphological separation untenable. The striking interhemispheric disjunction between Rehubryum and Atlantichella raises new questions about long-distance dispersal and historical biogeography in mosses, despite these complexities at the generic level. Nevertheless, species-level distinctions remain well defined, especially in sporophytic traits and geographic distribution. These findings highlight the pervasive cryptic diversity within Orthotrichaceae, underscoring the need for integrative taxonomic frameworks that synthesize morphology, molecular phylogenetics, and biogeography to resolve evolutionary histories.

Orthotrichoideae aggregates epiphytic mosses widespread throughout temperate regions and high tropical mountains of the world. Recently, important advances have been made in elucidating its phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary patterns. Fourteen genera are currently recognized within the subfamily, which are spread over two main tribes: Orthotricheae, comprising Orthotrichinae and Lewinskyinae, and Zygodonteae. Despite the progress, some groups have received little attention, as is the case of genus Codonoblepharon. Recent studies have suggested that this genus may represent a separate lineage from Zygodonteae, in which it traditionally has been considered. Although, none of the studies were conclusive as they did not include a representative sampling of the Codonoblepharon species. This work aims to evaluate the taxonomic position of Codonoblepharon and its phylogenetic relationships within Orthotrichoideae. For this purpose, we present an updated phylogenetic tree based on four different loci, one belonging to the nuclear genome (ITS2) and the rest to the plastid genome (rps4, trnG and trnL-F). The phylogenetic reconstruction recovers all samples of Codonoblepharon in a monophyletic group, sister to the rest of the subfamily, constituting a lineage independent of the two currently recognized tribes. For this reason, we propose the new tribe Codonoblepharonteae to accommodate Codonoblepharon.

The reference genome of Lewinskya acuminata (H. Philib.) F. Lara, Garilleti & Goffinet will enable phylogenomic, biogeographic, and evolutionary studies within the Orthotrichaceae and related bryophyte lineages at a depth previously inaccessible. This species of moss is among the most representative of the Mediterranean epiphytic communities and can be readily identified by its long-acuminate leaves, fusiform capsules with a vestigial exostome, a well-developed endostome of six broad segments, and a dark, puckered peristome mouth when dry. The entirety of the genome sequence was assembled into 6 contiguous chromosomal pseudomolecules, while the mitochondrial and chloroplastic genomes were assembled, respectively, as a single contig of 104,820 bp and two contigs of 123,029 bp and 122,994 bp. This chromosome-level assembly encompasses 0.25 Gb, composed of 51 contigs and 13 scaffolds, with contig and scaffold N50 values of 11.5 Mb and 40.8 Mb, respectively.

Calypogeia muelleriana, Jungermannia eucordifolia, Jungermannia pumila, Pedinophyllum interruptum, Pellia neesiana, Riccardia latifrons, Fissidens osmundoides, Heterocladium flaccidum, Hypnum jutlandicum y Racomitrium sudeticum en Galicia; Metzgeria violacea, Fissidens grandifrons, Plagiothecium platyphyllum y Ulota crispula en Lugo; Amphidium mougeotii, Ctenidium molluscum, Porella pinnata, Plagiothecium platyphyllum y Tortella tortuosa en A Coruña