XVI International Botanical Congess
This topic has only recently been examined in detail, and new data will be given at the symposium. Historically many species were described several times, and minor variations also became species. Much more taxonomy and collecting is needed, but it is estimated that the present names will reduce by about 60%. Some parts of Africa are still poorly known, one country has no recorded bryophytes. It will be some time before we have a good understanding of moss diversity in Africa, but present studies are revealing interesting patterns both within the continent and in relation particularly with the rest of the Palaeotropics. The presentation will look at three areas: 1. present knowledge of diversity, and factors affecting this, 2. case studies of particular taxa and geographic areas that illustrate diversity patterns, 3. steps being taken to improve our knowledge of African diversity, with future plans.