The Pottiaceae forms probably the largest family of mosses, with
around 1500 species worldwide. It is a diverse and taxonomically
difficult family of mosses. Members of the Pottiaceae are especially
adapted to arid environments although there are exceptions (eg.
Calyptopogon which is an epiphyte of wet forest) . Tasmania has around 14 genera and 37
species.
One species, Tridontium tasmanicum was previously included under the Pottiaceae
but has now been transferred to the Scouleriaceae. The occurrence of
an additional genus, Anoectangium, awaits verification and is
excluded from the genera list.
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