Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 December 2011
176 liverwort species and 649 moss species are known from SW Asia; the total number of species in the different countries is indicated. Families of outstanding bryo-geographical interest or with endemic taxa are the Aytoniaceac, Frullaniaceae, Ricciaceae, Southbyaceae, Targioniaceae, Wiesnerellaceae, Grimmiaceae, Bryaceae, Fabroniaceae, Funariaceae, Orthotrichaceae, Pottiaceae and Splachnobryaceae.
The “Northern”, Euxine-Hyrcanian, Afromontane and Circum-Tethyan elements and their characteristic taxa are discussed. Emphasis is given to the Circum-Tethyan element and its characteristic species; also to endemic taxa especially in the genera Tortula, Crossidium and Targionia. As in the phanerogams, the bryoflora of the arid parts of SW Asia includes a considerable percentage of endemic species. The published information on the bryophytic vegetation of SW Asia is summarised.