Distribution, ecological amplitude and phytosociological characterization of European bryophytes

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This compendium details the geographical distribution, ecological characteristics, and phytosociological preferences of approximately 1,150 mosses and 450 liverworts found in Europe and Macaronesia, including the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira, and Cape Verde. The geographical distribution is represented using a formula developed by Meusel et al., commonly used in Central-European botanical literature. Threat categories adhere to the IUCN classification for all threatened taxa. The ecological amplitude section outlines each species' preferences regarding acidity, nutrient availability, pollution, humidity, heat balance, light, substrate, and human impact. Preferred habitats are described in concise, free language, such as for Aulacomnium androgynum, which is typically found on decaying organic matter. Each species is also categorized by its life strategy, akin to life forms in vascular plants. The phytosociological characterization indicates the occurrence of each bryophyte species within various bryophyte and vascular plant communities, referencing two classifications introduced in the text. The extensive literature consulted, spanning over 28 pages, includes around 600 bryological and phytosociological publications. This comprehensive resource offers valuable insights into the mosses and liverworts of Europe, appealing to bryologists and plant ecologists in North America and beyond, especially given the circumpolar distribu