A synopsis of New Zealand Sphagna, with a description of S. simplex sp. nov

Nine species of Sphagnum are documented in the New Zealand flora: S. australe, S. compactum, S. cristatum, S. falcatulum, S. novo-zelandicum, S. perichaetiale, S. squarrosum, S. subnitens, and S. simplex Fife sp. nov. A key to species is presented and all species are described. Sphagnum simplex, in section Subsecunda, is described and illustrated, its distribution is mapped, and ecology and systematic relationships are discussed. Sphagnum compactum is recorded from New Zealand and Australasia for the first time; its distinguishing microscopic features are illustrated and known New Zealand distribution mapped. The species occurring in New Zealand are assignable to six sections in Sphagnum. Each section is discussed with emphasis on its distinguishing morphological features, historical background, and taxonomic and related typiflcation problems associated with its New Zealand representatives and their distribution here. Lectotypes are designated for the names S. antarcticum Mitt., S. australe Mitt., S. compactum var. ovatum Hook.f. & Wils., S. cristatum Hampe, and S. novo-zelandicum Mitt.