Pseudocrossidium porphyreoneurum (Müll. Hal.) R.H. Zander

in Bull. Buffalo Soc. Nat. Sci. 32: 119. 1993. ( Pottiaceae)

Notes – Pseudocrossidium porphyreoneurum is relatively widespread in dry regions of sub-Saharan Africa (Botswana, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and its occurrence in the semi-arid region of Madagascar is therefore not unexpected. There are many other species from similar habitats in continental Africa that might reasonably be expected to occur in Madagascar but have not yet been recorded. This may be the result of a collecting bias of bryologists towards humid forests but also because these areas are often less accessible. Furthermore, the species is generally represented by small and inconspicuous individuals.

Specimen examined. – MADAGASCAR. Reg. Atsimo-Andrefana [Prov. Toliara]: Betioky-Atsimo; Beza Mahafaly Reserve, Parcelle No. 2, rocky hills near Betioky, 23°41'S 44°36'E, 150 m, 20.V.1987, Phillipson 1832 (MO- 6491266, TAN).