Genus of liverworts
Plagiochila is a large, common, and widespread genus of liverworts in the order Jungermanniales. It is a member of the family Plagiochilaceae within that order. There may be anywhere from 500 to 1300 species, most of them from the tropics; the exact number is still under revision. 
Biogeography.
The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, found on every continent except Antarctica . 
There are 9 species of "Plagiochila" in Britain and Ireland, the majority of which have a hyper-oceanic biogeography, demanding high humidity afforded by proximity to the Atlantic . The most widespread representative of the hyper-oceanic species is Plagiochila spinulosa, a common species of Atlantic woodlands known as temperate rainforest. There is a disjunct population of "Plagiochila spinulosa" in New Zealand . 
Taxonomy.
"Plagiochila" taxonomy is complex and disputed. Certain phylogenetic studies have shown that genetic distinctions between observed species are weak, suggesting recent diversification events . European species have been identified as conspecific or at least closely related to tropical American species, distinct from Asian species . 
Selected species.
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References.
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