CONTRIBUCIÓN AL CONOCIMIENTO DE LAS BRIÓFITAS (BRYOPHYTA) EN EL VALLE DE INUNDACIÓN DEL RÍO PARANÁ EN SU TRAMO MEDIO (SANTA FE, ARGENTINA).

Background and aims: Bryophytes are the second most diverse group of terrestrial plants, colonizing a wide variety of ecosystems and undertaking multiple functions in them. In this work, a list of bryophytes identified in the locality of Leyes stream (Santa Fe, Argentina) is disclosed with the objective of increasing the information about the species present in the province. M&M: The study area was selected due to the fact that it is part of an area facing accelerated transformation. This implies a loss or an alteration of natural habitats, that in turn generate the disappearance of species, for which the implementation of conservation tasks is a priority. The specimens were collected during the months of September-November 2019-2021. The study of the samples was carried out following the conventional techniques for bryophytes and identified by using keys. Specimens were deposited at the herbarium of the Florentino Ameghino Provincial Museum of Natural Sciences (MFA). Results: A total of 21 species belonging to 18 genera and 13 families were identified. Amblystegium varium, Didymodon australasiae, Dimerodontium pellucidum, Forsstroemia coronata and Philonotis uncinata represent new records for Santa Fe province. Conclusions: Through this study, five new species are added to the bryophyte flora of Santa Fe, expanding its knowledge in the province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]