The genus Gertrudiella Broth . ( Pottiaceae , Bryophyta ) in Paraguay

As part of a study of the bryophytes of South America, some samples collected in Paraguay were identified as Gertrudiella uncinicoma, a species of Pottiaceae characterized by the presence of a well-developed central strand and a thick-walled hyalodermis on the stem, lanceolate leaves, laminal cells ventrally mammillose, and several rows of guides cells at the transverse section of the costae. This work represents the first record of the genus from Paraguay. A complete description, ecological comments, illustrations in optical and scanning electron microscopy, and a distribution map are presented.

In the course of a study of the bryological flora of Paraguay (Flores et al. 2015), some samples were found to perfectly match the description of Gertrudiella uncinicoma (Müll.Hal.) G.M.Suárez & Schiavone (Suárez & Schiavone 2010).This genus and species were not recorded previously from the country (O'Shea & Price 2008).
The aim of this work is to report for the first time the presence of this genus and species in Paraguay.A complete description, ecological comments, photomicrographs, and a distribution map are presented.
Habitat and geographical distribution.Gertrudiella uncinicoma is commonly found forming dense cushion on soil, sometimes associated with extensive mats of Selaginella sp. and in disturbed areas.It is a Neotropical species (Figure 12), known to date from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru.This work represents the first record of the genus from Paraguay, extending the distribution area of the species and adding information about the bryological diversity of the country.
For further synonyms, descriptions and illustrations, see Schiavone & Suárez (2003), Suárez &Schiavone (2010), andZander (1993).As a result of recent collecting expeditions to Paraguay, some specimens collected exhibit in all diagnostic characters of Gertrudiella uncinicoma.These results allow us to confirm for the first time the presence of the genus in the country.Gertrudiella uncinicoma is characterized by the presence of a strong central strand on the stem, a welldeveloped hyalodermis composed of thick-walled cells, acute leaves with a sheathing base, laminal cells mammillose on the ventral surface, plane to the dorsal, and more than 6 guide cells distributed in 3 or 4 rows in transverse section of the costae.This first record of the genus in Paraguay increases the range of distribution, and proves that it is wider than previously supposed.

Figure 12 .
Figure 12.Distribution map of Gertrudiella uncinicoma in southern South America.Previous records are marked with filled squares, and the new record with an unfilled square.