PlantaeDB Logo
Login Sign-up

Genus Aloina in Family Pottiaceae

In botanical taxonomy, a genus (plural genera) is a rank used to group closely related species within a family. In the hierarchy, genus sits below family and above species.

Genera are defined by shared morphological, anatomical, and genetic characteristics (for example, features of flowers, fruits, seeds, or leaves) that indicate a close evolutionary relationship among the species they contain.

Each genus can include one or more species. Examples include Rosa (roses) and Solanum (nightshades, including tomato and eggplant).

Do you wish to read more about plant taxonomy? Click here!

Genus Description

Suggest a correction!

Based on current taxonomic consensus (POWO, 2024; WFO, 2024), Aloina Kindb. is a moss genus within the family Pottiaceae (Hedderson et al., 2022; Sollman, 1993). It comprises approximately 20 species, though the exact number varies slightly between treatments (Hedderson et al., 2022; WFO, 2024). Its distribution is cosmopolitan, occurring in dry, often calcareous habitats worldwide, ranging from lowlands to moderate elevations (Sollman, 1993; Hedderson et al., 2022). Aloina aloides (Koch ex F.H.Müll.) Kindb. is commonly cited as the type species (Sollman, 1993).

Aloina exhibits characteristic traits within the Pottiaceae. Plants are usually small, forming cushions or turfs. Leaves are typically twisted when dry, ovate to lanceolate, with a strong midrib, and a revolute margin often enclosing a central group of guide cells. A distinguishing feature is the prominent, often red-brown hyaline band of cells at the leaf base, which is smooth or papillose (Sollman, 1993). The capsule (sporangium) is usually gymnostomous (lacking peristome teeth) and globose to ovoid. Spores are relatively large and granular (Sollman, 1993).

Species diversity is moderate, with centers of occurrence in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America. Many species show preference for calcareous rocks, soils, and man-made substrates like concrete or mortar walls (Sollman, 1993; Hedderson et al., 2022). Endemism is limited, with the cosmopolitan distribution reflecting adaptation to broad ecological niches. Typical habitats include disturbed sites, calcareous grasslands, and rock outcrops (Sollman, 1993).

Pollination in Aloina is likely wind-driven via spores dispersed from gymnostomous capsules, a typical mechanism for many mosses. Peristome absence simplifies this process (Sollman, 1993). Chromosome counts (n=13) are relatively well documented for the genus, informing its cytological characteristics (Newton, 1986).

Taxonomically, Aloina is generally maintained as distinct within Pottiaceae, primarily based on the basal hyaline cell specialization (Hedderson et al., 2022; Sollman, 1993). Major revisions often focus on synonymization within recognized species complexes, such as the A. aloides group (Sollman, 1993; WFO, 2024). It is typically divided into sections based on capsule shape and papillosity, such as Aloina sect. Aloina and sect. Sideroglossa (Sollman, 1993). Alternative arrangements proposing broader synonymy are sometimes presented, but the circumscription follows Hedderson et al. (2022) for core Aloina.

Direct human relevance is limited. While occasionally encountered in urban settings, Aloina is not a significant horticultural plant or agricultural weed. Its presence might be noted by bryologists on natural history sites, but it lacks economic importance (Sollman, 1993).

Conservation considerations remain sparse, reflecting the genus's broad distribution and preference for common, often disturbed habitats. However, localized threats like habitat loss through urbanization may impact specific populations (Sollman, 1993). Future research clarifying species boundaries and responses to environmental change will enhance conservation assessments (WFO, 2024).

Hedderson et al., 2022; Newton, 1986; Sollman, 1993; WFO, 2024; POWO, 2024

Pick a Species to see its components: