Updated description and distribution of the Patagonian moss Ulota macrodontia (Orthotrichaceae)

Ulota macrodontia Dusén ex Malta is an Andean-Patagonian epiphytic moss that has been misunderstood in recent times (Garilleti et al. Citation2016). This may be due partly to the fact that it is a rarely cited species, with only seven records from Chile. Comments on its main distinguishing features, accompanied by illustrations, were made by Garilleti et al. (Citation2016) in their correction of the definition of the species by Wang and Jia (Citation2016). However, a complete morphological description of U. macrodontia, including its variability, has not been published since the original description by Malta (Citation1927). To ensure the correct identification of Ulota macrodontia, we believe it is necessary to better highlight its unusual characteristics, which are so peculiar that they make this species one of the most distinctive of the genus. Our recent fieldwork expeditions in Patagonia have resulted in a wealth of collections, on which we have based the following updated geographical, ecological and morphological perspectives enabling better definition of the species.