Morphological and molecular evidence confirms a new species, Riccia subcrinita YouL.Xiang & R.L.Zhu) and Riccia junghuhniana Nees & Lindenb. (Ricciaceae, Marchantiophyta) new to China

Riccia is the largest genus of complex thalloid liverworts (Marchantiopsida) with over 250 species currently accepted. Our recent investigation of Chinese liverworts found two interesting Riccia species, R. junghuhniana and Riccia subcrinita sp. nov. Riccia junghuhniana is currently known from Australia and Indonesia, while Riccia subcrinita is known only from China. Riccia subcrinita is similar to R. crinita, but differs in having smaller spores (56-71 μm in diameter), and spore distal surface and proximal surface alveoli without thick borders. The sequences of rbcL, rps4, and trnL-F, detailed descriptions, and illustrations of the Chinese specimens are provided. The range extension of R. junghuhniana suggests that more taxa of Riccia may have a wider distribution. The discovery of R. junghuhniana and the new species also suggests that a more intensive survey of Riccia diversity in China is necessary.