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This is the first in a series of papers listing new records, which will be published whenever sufficient new records have been found. The taxa are arranged by countries for an easier evaluation, e.g. updates of checklists. The initials of the contributor for each record is shown in square brackets after the record, and these initials are interpreted at the end of the paper.
Based on a recent moss checklist of sub-Saharan Africa, an analysis is made of moss diversity and endemism in the area. There are over 3000 taxa, 77% of which are endemic. Figures for diversity and endemism for each country are listed, mapped and graphed, and endemism is also considered at the genus level. As the bryophyte flora of Africa is comparatively poorly known, it is important to be prudent when drawing conclusions about biodiversity and endemism.
Of the three species of Acanthorrhynchium reported for Africa in a recent checklist, all prove to be the same as the widespread Asian species, Acanthorrhynchium papillatum (Harvey) Fleisch.: this is the first report of this taxon for Africa. Acanthorrhynchium decolor (Besch.) Fleisch. and A. loucoubense (Besch.) Fleisch. are made new synonyms of A. papillatum. Acanthorrhynchium serratum (Ren. & Card.) Fleisch. had already been made a synonym of A. loucoubense (as Taxithelium loucoubense) before Fleischer moved it into the genus Acanthorrhynchium.