Character analysis, phylogeny, and classification of the moss genus Pohlia
Keyword(s):
Forty-one Pohlia taxa coded for their expression of 36 qualitative morphological characters are analyzed using cladistic and phenetic methods. Phenetic approaches include similarity graph clustering and divisive methods utilizing information theoretic criteria. The Wagner Tree parsimony method and character compatibility analysis provide estimates of cladistic relationships. Four major lineages within the genus differ primarily in sporophyte characters, with specific differences based largely on gametophytic features. Peristome simplification may have occurred several times within Pohlia. An infrageneric classification is proposed with diagnostic descriptions and nomenclature provided.