The present study aimed to analyze the spore morphology of Leucobryaceae species occurring in the Parque Estadual da Ilha Grande, Ilha Grande Municipality, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Spores of six species distributed in two genera, were analyzed: Leucobryum albicans Schwaegr., L. clavatum Hampe, L. crispum C. Muell., L. martianum (Hornsch.) Hampe ex C. Muell., Octoblepharum albidum Hedw. and O. cocuiense Mitt. Different methods were utilized for spore morphology analysis. The analyzed species presented spore in monads, small to medium sized (10.0-22.5 µm), heteropolar, subcircular, with proximal apertural region and granulated surface. The apertural region is irregularly shaped, elongated, subcircular, subtriangular or without defined configuration. The variations detected, and utilized for species separation, are related to spores size and ornamentation element distribution.
Brazil; Leucobryaceae; spore
