Phylogenetic Insights from a Novel Species Challenge Generic Boundaries in Orthotrichaceae.

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 is particularly outstanding, because of its close morphological similarity to both and . The challenges posed by its segregation are addressed in this study, which integrates morphological and molecular data to reassess the circumscription of and its phylogenetic placement within the subtribe Lewinskyinae. Our results support the recognition of a new species, , and show that its inclusion within the genus further complicates the morphological delimitation of from , 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, challenges the current morphological circumscription of itself, as it overlaps in key characteristics with its sister genus , rendering their morphological separation untenable. The striking interhemispheric disjunction between and 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.