Ulota s.l. (Orthotrichaceae, Bryophyta) at southernmost Mediterranean localities: not a simple matter

The species of Ulota s.l. rarely colonise the epiphytic environment under Mediterranean climates. After recent advances in taxonomic knowledge and consequent changes in the group, it was necessary to verify the identity of the Ulota species inhabiting the southernmost Mediterranean localities. A total of 18 localities in the southern areas of the Iberian and Italian Peninsulas were investigated. Ulota s.l. populations from nine of the areas were re-sampled, whereas for the remaining five other localities, available herbarium records were revised. Four additional localities, from where herbarium records have not been found, were visited without success. As a result, five species, namely Atlantichella calvescens, Ulota bruchii, U. crispa, U. crispula and U. intermedia, have been found in the study area. Their distribution in the different countries and localities sampled is shown to be irregular. Of note is the discovery of U. crispula, U. bruchii and U. intermedia in very southern areas of Portugal and Italy, as well as the discovery for the first time of A. calvescens in localities outside the Atlantic area, specifically in the central Mediterranean.