Bryum valparaisense Ther. in the Isles of Scilly

Bryum valparaisense Thér. is reported from traditionally managed bulbfields in the Isles of Scilly, West Cornwall, the first record from the British Isles. The material has numerous rhizoid tubers which differ from those of other British Bryum species in their very small size, 35-58 μm long 6 33-53 μm wide, pale brownish yellow or yellowish brown colour and smooth outline; they lack the flattened shape of Bryum sauteri tubers and are 2-4 cells wide at the widest part. The numerous associated bryophytes include several with southern European affinities. In Europe B. valparaisense has hitherto been recorded only from Portugal; elsewhere it is recorded from scattered sites in Macaronesia, N. Africa and N. and S. America. It seems likely that it is an introduction in Scilly, although in common with other weedy species its native range is obscure