Classification and applied uses of Bryaceae sensu lato(Musci) in China

The Bryaceae is a large, cosmopolitan, taxonomically difficult moss family. Recent studies based on molecular data alone or in combination with morphological data have greatly changed the understanding of phylogenetic relationships in the Bryaceae s.l. and indicate that the Bryaceae is not monophyletic. Based on phylogenetic analyses of sequence data for four cpDNA regions and morphological data, we revise the traditional Bryaceae in China and transfer six genera to other families. The Mielichhoferiaceae was redefined previously by Hill et al. based on the presence of much-branched stems, apparently lateral gametangia, Pohlia-like leaves, and a more-or-less reduced peristome. Five genera of Mielichhoferiaceae are present in China: Mielichhoferia(four species), Pohlia(27 species, two varieties), Pseudopohlia(one species), Epipterygium(two species), and Synthetodontium(one species). The genera Orthodontium and Leptobryum are transferred from the Bryaceae s.l. to Orthodontiaceae and Meesiaceae, respectively. Members of the recircumscribed Bryaceae belong to five genera: Anomobryum(five species), Brachymenium(14 species), Bryum(54 species, two varieties), Plagiobryum(three species), and Rhodobryum(four species). Bryaceae diversity is high in China. The species have potential uses in medicine, landscaping, environmental protection, and other fields. Rhodobryum roseum(Hedw.) Limpr., Bryum argenteum Hedw., and Rhodobryum giganteum(Schw gr.) Paris have long been used to cure cardiovascular disease in China. Some bioactive compounds will be leading compounds for the future design of novel drugs. In recent years, many species of Bryaceae have been used for landscaping. Bryum spp. are the dominant biotic species in biological soil crusts, which serve important ecological protective functions.