Meteoriaceae

Characteristic traits of the family include creeping stems with pendent branches, elongate, mostly papillose laminal cells, and pointed leaves.^[2] The taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of this complex group of mosses are difficult to interpret, and attempts to structure the taxon are ongoing.^[3][4]

Meteoriaceae species are found in warm topical and subtropical regions worldwide. Their primary substrate is on twigs and bark.^[2]

Meteoriaceae was originally classified under in the order Leucodontales but are now within the Hypnales. The family contains the following genera:^[1]

• Aerobryidium M.Fleisch. ex Broth.
• Aerobryopsis M.Fleisch.
• Barbella M.Fleisch. ex Broth.
• Barbellopsis Broth.
• Chrysocladium M.Fleisch.
• Cryptopapillaria M.Menzel
• Diaphanodon Renauld & Cardot
• Duthiella Müll.Hal. ex Broth.
• Floribundaria M.Fleisch.
• Lepyrodontopsis Broth.
• Meteoriopsis M.Fleisch. ex Broth.
• Meteorium Dozy & Molk.
• Neodicladiella (Nog.) W.R.Buck
• Neonoguchia S.H.Lin
• Papillaria (Müll.Hal.) Lorentz
• Pseudospiridentopsis (Broth.) M.Fleisch.
• Pseudotrachypus P.de la Varde & Thér.
• Sinskea W.R.Buck
• Toloxis W.R.Buck
• Trachycladiella (M.Fleisch.) M.Menzel
• Trachypodopsis M.Fleisch.
• Trachypus Reinw. & Hornsch.