A monograph of the genus Meteorium ( =P̲a̲p̲i̲ḻḻa̲ṟi̲a̲ Jaeg., Pro Parte) of Mexico

The scanning electron microscope studies of the spores showed that M. Flexilis, M. Deppei, and M. Nigrescens can be separated on the basis of exine ornamentations. Enzyme studies by gel electrophoresis proved that M. Flexilis and M. Deppei are not conspecific as previously assumed. Cytological studies indicated that the chromosome number of M. Flexilis, M. deppei, and M. Nigrescens was n = 10 or 11. Ecological and distributional data did not provide a clear-cut means for distinguishing between taxa because similar ranges of variation and distribution were seen in all taxa considered. Type and nomenclatural studies indicate that Meteorium illecebrum is based on the type of Anomodon flexilis Hampe and therefore becomes M. Flexilis. Also the type studies indicate that Meteorium dubyanum (Hampe) Broth. is synonymous with M. Deppei and that Meteorium illecebrum var. teretiforme Card. and var. gracilis (Card.) Ther. are synonymous with M. Flexilis.

The genus Papillaria Jaeg. was combined with Meteorium (only in the geographic area considered in this study) because no clear-cut means of distinguishing the two genera could be determined.