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Michael Stech

Michael Stech

My research focuses on bryophyte systematics and 'hidden biodiversity'. I study evolutionary relationships and species delimitation of bryophytes, from tropical forests to polar tundras. I am interested in unravelling the hidden biodiversity of bryophytes and lichens, soil bacteria and fungi, and airborne biological particles, in natural and urban ecosystems.  

Keywords

Bryophytes, DNA (meta)barcoding, phylogenetics, soil biodiversity, urban biodiversity

Dr. M (Michael) Stech

Senior researcher
Understanding Evolution

michael.stech@naturalis.nl
+31 (0)71 751 9219

Research
interest

I study the 'hidden biodiversity' of bryophytes. lichens and microorganisms in soil and air.

Main research topics:

  • I study systematic relationships and character evolution in bryophytes, mainly in the Dicranidae, one of the two largest lineages of mosses (ca. 4000 species).
  • I clarify species delimitations and improve species identification of bryophytes to assess and monitor biodiversity. Examples are bipolar bryophyte species, Atlantic island bryophytes and the Dutch bryoflora.
  • I contribute to unravelling microbial diversity as well as spatial and functional biodiversity patterns in soil, air and lichens.
  • I lead the interdisciplinary HiddenBiodiversity project, which studies urban biodiversity in Dutch cities; for more information see

urban-hidden-biodiversity

 

 

Fieldwork in East Greenland
Arctic tundra bryophytes

Key
publications

  • Mawarda, P.C., Kaaij, R. van der, Dini-Andreote, F., Duijker, D., Stech, M., Speksnijder, A.G.C.L. 2025. Unveiling the ecological processes driving soil and lichen microbiome assembly along an urbanization gradient. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes 11, 99.
  • Timans, H., Zon, S. van, Nuytinck, J., Stech, M. 2025. An epiphyte desert no more: considerable epiphytic lichen diversity on common lane tree species in Amsterdam under contemporary urban environmental conditions. Lichenologist 57(5): 224–238.
  • Mota de Oliveira, S., Duijm, E., Stech, M., Ruijgrok,  J., Polling, M., Barbosa, C.G.G., Cerqueira, G.R., Nascimento, A.H.M., Godoi, R.H.M., Taylor, P.E., Wolf, S., Weber, B., Kesselmeier, J. 2022. Life is in the air: An expedition into the Amazonian atmosphere. Front. Ecol. Evol. 789791.
  • Bonfim Santos, M., Fedosov, V., Hartman, T., Fedorova, A., Siebel, H., Stech, M. 2021. Phylogenetic inferences reveal deep polyphyly of Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae within the haplolepideous mosses (Dicranidae, Bryophyta). Taxon 70(2): 246–262.
  • Rosa, L.H., da Silva, T.H., Ogaki, M.B., Pinto, O.H.B., Stech, M., Convey, P., Carvalho-Silva, M., Rosa, C.A., Câmara, P.E.A.S. 2020. DNA metabarcoding uncovers fungal diversity in soils of protected and non-protected areas on Deception Island, Antarctica. Sci. Rep. 10: 21986.
  • Biersma E.M., Jackson J.A., Stech M., Griffiths H., Linse K., Convey P. 2018. Long-term in situ Antarctic Persistence within Antarctica’s Most Speciose Plant Genus, Schistidium. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 6: 77.
  • Gama R., Aguirre-Gutiérrez J., Stech M. 2017. Ecological niche comparison and molecular phylogeny segregate the invasive moss species Campylopus introflexus (Leucobryaceae, Bryophyta) from its closest relatives. Ecology and Evolution 7: 8017–8031.
  • Sim-Sim M., Afonina O.M., Almeida T., Désamoré A., Laenen B., Garcia C.A., González-Mancebo J.M., Stech, M. 2017. Integrative taxonomy reveals too extensive lumping and a new species in the moss genus Amphidium (Bryophyta). Systematics and Biodiversity 15: 451–463.
  • Lang A., Bocksberger G., Stech M. 2015. Phylogeny and species delimitations in European Dicranum (Dicranaceae, Bryophyta). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 92: 217–225.
  • Stech M., Veldman S., Larraín J., Muñoz J., Quandt D., Hassel K., Kruijer J.D. 2013. Molecular species delimitation in the Racomitrium canescens complex (Grimmiaceae) and implications for DNA barcoding of species complexes in mosses. PLoS ONE 8(1): e53134.

PhD
supervision

Naturalis aims to be a breeding ground for international scientific talent. Therefore, PhD's have a special position in our organisation.

Current PhD students & Postdocs:

  • Tim Claerhout (PhD)
  • Sjoerd Gremmen (PhD)
  • Eka Iskandar (PhD)
  • Soraia Martins (PhD, external)
  • Panji Mawarda (Postdoc)

Recently finished: 

  • Marina Bonfim Santos (PhD defense January 2024)
Tree trunk in Leiden, covered with Xanthoria parietina

Teaching
activities

  • Coordinator of B.Sc. first years course ‘Tree of Life, Biodiversity of Plants, Protists, Fungi’
  • B.Sc. first years course ‘Flora and Fauna’ (field excursions and determination practice of the Dutch flora)
  • B.Sc. second years course 'Biodiversity'
  • B.Sc. third years Minor ‘Biodiversity’, Module ‘Scales of biodiversity’, part 'Hidden Biodiversity'
  • Supervising B.Sc., M.Sc. and HBO (Universities of Applied Sciences) students

Publications

2025

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Mawarda P.C., Kaaij R. van der, Dini-Andreote F., Duijker D., Stech M., Speksnijder A.G.C.L. 2025. Unveiling the ecological processes driving soil and lichen microbiome assembly along an urbanization gradient.. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes 11 (99) : 16 p. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-025-00736-4
Klink J.M.A., Cronberg N., Lang A.S., Stech M. 2025. Assessing gene flow between Dicranum scoparium Hedw. and D. bonjeanii De Not. (Dicranaceae) using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 208 (4) : 10 p. DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/boae081
2024

Books as editor

Reeb C., Stech M., Von Konrat M. (eds.) 2024. Special issue for Stephan Robbert Gradstein, commemorating his 80th birthday.. Bryophyte Diversity & Evolution. 47: 192 p. Magnolia Press, Auckland. ISBN 978-1-77973-048-0. DOI https://doi.org/10.11646/bde.47.1.1

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Martins S., Sim-Sim M., Gabriel R., Stech M. 2024. Patterns of intraspecific genetic variation of Andoa berthelotiana (Myuriaceae, Bryophyta) in the Azores (Macaronesia).. Phytotaxa 677 (3) DOI https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.677.3.5
Câmara P.E.A.S., Stech M., Convey P., Šantl-Temkiv T., Pinto O.H.B., Bones F.L.V., Lopes F.A.C., Rodrigues L.A.C., Carvalho-Silva M., Rosa L.H. 2024. Assessing aerial biodiversity over Keller Peninsula, King George Island, Maritime Antarctic, using DNA metabarcoding.. Antarctic Science 36 (1) DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S095410202400004X
2023

Books as editor

Cargill D.C., Stech M., Tabua M., Konrat M. von (eds.) 2023. Special issue commemorating Dr David Meagher 1956–2023.. Bryophyte Diversity & Evolution. 46: 177 p. Magnolia Press, Auckland. ISBN 978-1-77688-966-2. DOI https://doi.org/10.11646/bde.46.1

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Valente D.V., Peralta D.F., Stech M., Câmara P.E.A.S. 2023. Macromitrium Brid. (Bryophyta, Orthotrichaceae) in Brazil: a molecular approach.. Brazilian Journal of Botany 46: 925-946. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-023-00935-3
Escolástico-Ortiz D.A., Hedenäs L., Quandt D., Harpke D., Larraín J., Stech M., Villarreal Aguilar J.C. 2023. Cryptic speciation shapes the biogeographic history of a northern distributed moss.. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 201 (1) : 21 p. 114-134. DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/boac027
Câmara P.E.A.S., Alvares F.C.L., Bones F.L.V., Rodrigues L.A.C., Carvalho-Silva M., Stech M., Convey P., Rosa L.H. 2023. Investigating aerial diversity of non-fungal eukaryotes across a 40° latitudinal transect using DNA metabarcoding.. Austral Ecology: A Journal of Ecology in the Southern Hemisphere 48 (6) : 1178-1194. DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13332
Câmara P.E.A.S., Carvalho-Silva M., Valente D.V., Henriques D.K., Amorim E.T. De, Fava W.S., Kruijer J.D., Stech M. 2023. Revisiting the bipolarity of Roaldia revoluta (Mitt.) P.E.A.S. Câmara & Carv.-Silva (Bryophyta, Pylaisiaceae).. Antarctic Science 35 (3) : 165-175. DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954102023000044
2022

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Campos L.V., Stech M., Mota de Oliveira S., Muñoz-Ortiz A., Steege H. ter, Uribe-M. J. 2022. Genetic population structure of Cheilolejeunea rigidula (Lejeuneaceae) in the Amazon region.. Bryophyte Diversity & Evolution 45 (1) : 14 p. 119-132. DOI https://doi.org/10.11646/bde.45.1.8

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Mota de Oliveira S., Duijm E., Stech M., Ruijgrok J., Polling M., Barbosa C.G.G., Cerqueira G.R., Nascimento A.H.M., Godoi R.H.M., Taylor P.E., Wolf S., Weber B., Kesselmeier J. 2022. Life is in the air: An expedition into the Amazonian atmosphere.. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 10: 789791. DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2022.789791
Patiño J., Bisang I., Goffinet B., Hedenäs L., McDaniel S., Pressel S., Stech M., Ah-Peng C., Bergamini A., Caners R.T., Cargill C.D., Cronberg N., Duckett J., Eppley S., Fenton N.J., Fisher K., González-Mancebo J., Hasebe M., Heinrichs J., Hylander K., Ignatov M.S., Martínez-Abaigar J., Medina N.G., Medina R., Quandt D., Rensing S.A., Renzaglia K., Renner M., Ros R.M., Schäfer-Verwimp A., Villarreal J.C., Vanderpoorten A. 2022. Unveiling the nature of a miniature world: a horizon scan of fundamental questions in bryology.. Journal of Bryology 44 (1) : 1-34. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/03736687.2022.2054615
2021

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Câmara P.E.A.S., Carvalho-Silva M., Stech M. 2021. Antarctic bryophyte research—current state and future directions. Bryophyte Diversity & Evolution 43 (1) : 221-233. DOI https://doi.org/10.11646/BDE.43.1.16

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Faria A.L.A., Salino A., Carvalho-Silva M., Stech M., Amorim E.T. de, Câmara P.E.A.S. 2021. Cyathea Sm. (Cyatheaceae) on Trindade Island (Brazil): An integrative approach. Phytotaxa 487 (1) : 26-40. DOI https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.487.1.2
Martins S., Sim-Sim M., Stech M. 2021. The Macaronesian endemic moss Andoa berthelotiana (Myuriaceae, Bryophyta): Phylogenetic relationships and cryptic speciation. Nova Hedwigia 112 (34) : 335-357. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/nova_hedwigia/2021/0629
Bonfim Santos M., Fedosov V., Hartman T., Fedorova A., Siebel H., Stech, M. 2021. Phylogenetic inferences reveal deep polyphyly of Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae within the haplolepideous mosses (Dicranidae, Bryophyta). Taxon 70 (2) : 246-262. DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/tax.12439
Fedosov V.E., Fedorova A.V., Larraín J., Bonfim Santos M., Stech M., Kučera J., Brinda J.C., Tubanova D.Y., Von Konrat M., Ignatova E.A., Ignatov M.S. 2021. Unity in diversity: phylogenetics and taxonomy of Rhabdoweisiaceae (Dicranales, Bryophyta). Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (4) : 545-567. DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/boaa087
2020

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Peralta D.F., Bordin J., Valente D.V., Câmara P.E.A.S., Stech M. 2020. First record of the family Gigaspermaceae (Bryophyta) in Brazil. Hoehnea 47: e102020. DOI https://doi.org/10.1590/2236-8906-10/2020

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Rosa L.H., Silva T.H. da, Ogaki M.B., Pinto O.H.B., Stech M., Convey P., Carvalho-Silva M., Rosa C.A., Câmara P.E.A.S. 2020. DNA metabarcoding uncovers fungal diversity in soils of protected and non-protected areas on Deception Island, Antarctica. Scientific Reports 10: 21986. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-78934-7
Rodrigues A.S.B., Martins A., Garcia C.A., Sérgio C., Porley R., Fontinha S., González-Mancebo J., Gabriel R., Phephu N., Rooy J. van, Dirkse G., Long D., Stech M., Patiño J., Sim-Sim M. 2020. Climate-driven vicariance and long-distance dispersal explain the Rand Flora pattern in the liverwort Exormotheca pustulosa (Marchantiophyta). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 130 (3) : 480-496. DOI https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa071
Bijlsma R.J., Kruijer J.D., Stech M. 2020. Ptychostomum touwii, a new bryophyte species distinguished from Ptychostomum rubens by iterative morpho-molecular analysis, and a note on Bryum microerythrocarpum. Gorteria 42: 56-65.
http://natuurtijdschriften.nl/record/714550
2019

Chapters in book

Carvalho C.R., Santiago I.F., Coelho L.C., Câmara P.E.A.S., Carvalho-Silva M., Stech M., Rosa C.A., Rosa L.H. 2019. Fungi Associated with Plants and Lichens of Antarctica.: 165-199. ISBN 978-3-030-18366-0. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-18367-7

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Madden H., Andel T.R. van, Miller J., Stech M., Verdel K., Eggermont E. 2019. Vegetation associations and relative abundance of rodents on St. Eustatius, Caribbean Netherlands. Global Ecology and Conservation 20: e00743. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00743
Camara P.E.A.S., Valente D.V., Amorim E.T. de, Henriques D.K., Carvalho-Silva M., Convey P., Stech M. 2019. Integrated analysis of intraspecific diversity in the bipolar moss Roaldia revoluta (Mitt.) PEAS Camara & M. Carvalho-Silva (Bryophyta) in Antarctica. Polar Biology 42 (3) : 485-496. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-018-2437-8
Koopman J., Kalinowski P., Stech M., Więcław H. 2019. Carex ×kneuckeri, a hybrid new for central Europe and neotypification of this name. Preslia 91 (2) : 161-177. DOI https://doi.org/10.23855/preslia.2019.161
Búcaro R.D., Sollman P., Stech M. 2019. Bryoflora Salvadorensis 3. An updated checklist and new records of Pottiaceae for El Salvador. Phytotaxa 424 (1) : 33-48. DOI https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.424.1.3
Enroth J., Olsson S., Huttunen S., Buchbender V., Tangney R., Stech M., Hedenäs L., Quandt D. 2019. Orthostichellaceae fam. nov. and other novelties in pleurocarpous mosses revealed by phylogenetic analyses. Bryologist 122 (2) : 219-245. DOI https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-122.2.219
Câmara P.E.A.S., Soares A.E.R., Henriques D.K., Peralta D.F., Bordin J., Carvalho-Silva M., Stech M. 2019. New insights into the species diversity of Bartramia Hedw. (Bryophyta) in Antarctica. Antarctic Science 31 (4) : 208-215. DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954102019000257
Valente D.V., Peralta D.F., Câmara P.E.A.S., Stech M. 2019. Molecular tools to identify tropical mosses: a case study of the Brazilian species of Schlotheimia Brid. (Bryophyta, Orthotrichaceae). Systematics and Biodiversity 17 (6) : 609-621. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2019.1655110
2018

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Biersma E.M., Jackson J.A., Stech M., Griffiths H., Linse K., Convey P. 2018. Long-term in situ Antarctic persistence within Antarctica’s most speciose plant genus, Schistidium. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution 6: 11 p. 77. DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2018.00077

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Câmara P.E.A.S., Carvalho-Silva M., Knop Henriques D., Guerra J., Gallego M.T., Rios Poveda D., Stech M. 2018. Pylaisiaceae Schimp. (Bryophyta) revisited. Journal of Bryology 40 (3) : 251-264. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/03736687.2018.1472850
2017

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Lewis L.R., Ickert-Bond S.M., Biersma E.M., Convey P., Goffinet B., Hassel K., Kruijer J.D., La Farge C., Metzgar J., Stech M., Villarreal J.C., McDaniel S.F. 2017. Future directions and priorities for Arctic bryophyte research. Arctic Science 3: 475-497. DOI https://doi.org/10.1139/as-2016-0043

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Gama R., Aguirre-Gutiérrez J., Stech M. 2017. Ecological niche comparison and molecular phylogeny segregate the invasive moss species Campylopus introflexus (Leucobryaceae, Bryophyta) from its closest relatives. Ecology and Evolution 7 (19) : 8017-8031. DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3301
Sim-Sim M., Afonina O.M., Almeida T., Désamoré A., Laenen B., Garcia C.A., González-Mancebo J.M., Stech M. 2017. Integrative taxonomy reveals too extensive lumping and a new species in the moss genus Amphidium (Bryophyta). Systematics and Biodiversity 15 (5) : 451-463. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2016.1271059
Bonfim Santos M., Stech M. 2017. Tackling relationships and species circumscriptions of Octoblepharum, an enigmatic genus of haplolepideous mosses (Dicranidae, Bryophyta). Systematics and Biodiversity 15 (1) : 16-24. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2016.1213325
Bonfim Santos M., Stech M. 2017. Testing hypotheses on suprageneric relationships and morphological evolution in the Leucobryaceae (Bryophyta). Plant Systematics and Evolution 303 (10) : 1383-1397. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-017-1459-y
Briscoe L.R.E., Wickett N.J., Zerega N.J.C., Lumbsch H.T., Stech M., Kraichak E., Konrat M.J. von, Engel J.J. 2017. A molecular, morphological and biogeographic perspective on the classification of Acrobolboideae (Acrobolbaceae, Marchantiophyta). Phytotaxa 319 (1) : 56-70. DOI https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.319.1.2
Carvalho-Silva M., Stech M., Soares-Silva L.H., Buck W.R., Wickett N.J., Liu Y., Câmara P.E.A.S. 2017. A molecular phylogeny of the Sematophyllaceae s.l. (Hypnales) based on plastid, mitochondrial and nuclear markers, and its taxonomic implications. Taxon 66 (4) : 811-831. DOI https://doi.org/10.12705/664.2
2016

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Yahaya N.H., Michael Stech, Zonneveld B.J.M., Hovenkamp P.H. 2016. What is Nephrolepis ‘bostoniensis’?: Unravelling the origin of Nephrolepis hybrids and cultivars with molecular data. Scientia Horticulturae 204: 8 p. 153-160. Elsevier.
Dirkse G.M., Losada-Lima A., Stech M. 2016. Riccia boumanii Dirkse, Losada & M.Stech sp. nov. (Ricciaceae, Marchantiophyta) in the Canary Islands, the first species of Riccia subgenus Ricca section Pilifer Volk outside South Africa. Journal of Bryology 38 (2) : 94-102. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/03736687.2016.1145523
Gama R., Faria A.L.A., Câmara P.E.A.S., Stech M. 2016. Identity and origin of the Campylopus (Leucobryaceae, Bryopsida) species from Trindade Island (Brazil). Cryptogamie Bryologie 37 (3) : 241-250. DOI https://doi.org/10.7872/cryb/v37.iss3.2016.241
2015

Chapters in book

Kruijer H., Stech M. 2015. 7. De vegetatie. In: Postma E., Verheul E. (ed.) (eds.) Met de Zr. Ms. Zeeland op expeditie naar Jan Mayen. In: Hacquebord L., Postma E., Verheul E. (ed.). Met de Zr. Ms. Zeeland op expeditie naar Jan Mayen: 46-51. Barkhuis, Groningen. ISBN 9789491431869.

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Merckx V.S.F.T., Hendriks K.P., Beentjes K.K., Mennes C.B., Becking L.E., Peijnenburg K.T.C.A., Afendy A., Arumugam N., de Boer H., Biun A., Buang M.M., Chen P.-P., Chung A.Y.C., Dow R., Feijen F.A.A., Feijen H., Feijen-van Soest C, Geml J., Geurts R., Gravendeel B., Hovenkamp P., Imbun P., Ipor I., Janssens S.B., Jocqué M. Kappes H., Khoo E., Koomen P., Lens F., Majapun R.J., Morgado L.N., Neupane S., Nieser N., Pereira J.T., Rahman H., Sabran S., Sawang A., Schwallier R.M., Shim P.-S., Smit H., Sol N., Spait M., Stech M., Stokvis F., Sugau J.B., Suleiman M., Sumail S., Thomas D.C., van Tol J., Tuh F.Y.Y., Yahya B.E., Nais J., Repin R., Lakim M. & Schilthuizen M. 2015. Evolution of endemism on a young tropical mountain. Nature 524 (7565) : 347-350. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/nature14949
Draper I., Hedenäs L., Stech M., Patiño J., Werner O., González-Mancebo J.M., Sim-Sim M., Lopes T., Ros R.M. 2015. How many species of Isothecium (Lembophyllaceae, Bryophyta) are there in Macaronesia? A survey using integrative taxonomy. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 177 (3) : 418-438. DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/boj.12250
Lopes T., Stech M., Fontinha S., Sim-Sim M. 2015. Molecular circumscription and intraspecific variation in Porella canariensis (F.Weber) Underw. (Porellaceae, Marchantiophyta). Journal of Bryology 37 (3) : 241-244. DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/1743282014Y.0000000136
Lang A.S., Bocksberger G., Stech M. 2015. Phylogeny and species delimitations in European Dicranum (Dicranaceae, Bryophyta) inferred from nuclear and plastid DNA. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 92: 217-225. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2015.06.019
Sim-Sim M., Lopes T., Ruas S., Stech M. 2015. Does altitude shape molecular diversity and richness of bryophytes in Madeira's natural forest? A case study with four bryophyte species at two altitudinal levels. Plant Ecology and Evolution 148 (2) : 171-180. DOI https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2015.1041
2014

Chapters in book

Stech M. 2014. East Greenland bryophytes – biodiversity and importance as herbivore diet (BRYOGREEN).: 94-95. Aarhus University, DCE – Danish Centre for Environment and Energy, Aarhus. ISBN 978-87-93129-22-1.

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Delia Búcaro R., Touw A., Stech M. 2014. Epiphytic mosses from the understory of a forest in El Zancudo (“Los Bolsones”), La Paz, Honduras. Bryophyte Diversity & Evolution 36 (1) : 45-50.

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Hedenäs L., Désamoré A., Laenen B., Papp B., Quandt D., González-Mancebo J.M., Patiño J., Vanderpoorten A., Stech M. 2014. Three species for the price of one within the moss Homalothecium sericeum s.l. Taxon 63 (2) : 249−257. DOI https://doi.org/10.12705/632.16
Lang A.S., Kruijer J.D., Stech M. 2014. DNA barcoding of Arctic bryophytes: an example from the moss genus Dicranum (Dicranaceae, Bryophyta). Polar Biology 37 (8) : 1157-1169. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-014-1509-7
Lang A., Stech M. 2014. What's in a Name? Disentangling the Dicranum scoparium Species Complex (Dicranaceae, Bryophyta). Systematic Botany 39 (2) : 369-379. DOI https://doi.org/10.1600/036364414X680735
2013

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Larrain J., Quandt D., Stech M., Munoz J. 2013. Lumping or splitting? The case of Racomitrium (Bryophytina: Grimmiaceae). Taxon 62 (6) : 1117-1132.
Heinrichs J., Dong S., Schaefer-Verwimp A., Pocs T., Feldberg K., Czumaj A., Schmidt A.R., Reitner J., Renner M.A.M., Hentschel J., Stech M., Schneider H. 2013. Molecular phylogeny of the leafy liverwort Lejeunea (Porellales): evidence for a Neotropical origin, uneven distribution of sexual systems and insufficient taxonomy. PLOS ONE 8 (12) : e82547. DOI https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0082547
Stech M., Veldman S., Larraín J., Muñoz J., Quandt D., Hassel K., Kruijer H. 2013. Molecular species delimitation in the Racomitrium canescens complex (Grimmiaceae) and implications for DNA barcoding of species complexes in mosses. PLOS ONE 8 (1) : e53134. DOI https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0053134
2012

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Búcaro R.D., Touw A., Stech M. 2012. Bryoflora Salvadorensis. I. Introduction and contributions to the moss flora of El Salvador. Tropical Bryology 34: 1-11.
Hesse C., Jalink L., Stech M., Kruijer J.D. 2012. Contributions to the moss flora of Edgeøya and Barentsøya, Svalbard (Norway). Polish Botanical Journal 57: 167-179.

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Désamoré A., Laenen B., Stech M., Papp B., Hedenäs L., Mateo R.G., Vanderpoorten A. 2012. How do temperate bryophytes face the challenge of a changing environment? Lessons from the past and predictions for the future. Global Change Biology 18 (9) : 2915-2924. DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2012.02752.x
Huttunen S., Bell N., Bobrova V.K., Buchbender V., Buck W.R., Cox C.J., Goffinet B., Hedenäs L., Ho B.-C., Ignatov M.S., Krug M., Kuznetsova O., Milyutina I.A., Newton A., Olsson S., Pokorny L., Shaw J.A., Stech M., Troitsky A., Vanderpoorten A., Quandt D. 2012. Disentangling knots of rapid evolution: origin and diversification of the moss order Hypnales. Journal of Bryology 34 (3) : 187-211. DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/1743282012Y.0000000013
Stech M., McDaniel S.F., Hernández-Maqueda R., Ros R.M., Werner O., Muñoz J., Quandt D. 2012. Phylogeny of haplolepideous mosses - challenges and perspectives. Journal of Bryology 34 (3) : 173-186. DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/1743282012Y.0000000014
2011

Books as editor

Sim-Sim M., Stech M., Fontinha S. (eds.) 2011. Os briófitos das zonas costeiras da Madeira. Guia de algumas species.: 102 p. ISBN 9789899549777.

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Lobo C., Sim-Sim M., Luís L., Stech M. 2011. Chorological data and threat status evaluation of Fissidens species (Fissidentaceae, Bryophyta) on Madeira Archipelago. Nova Hedwigia 92 (12) : 121-131. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2011/0092-0121
Stech M., Kolvoort E., Loonen M.J.J.E., Vrieling K., Kruijer J.D. 2011. Bryophyte DNA sequences from faeces of an arctic herbivore, barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis). Molecular Ecology Resources 11 (2) : 404-408. DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-0998.2010.02938.x
Sim-Sim M., Bergamini A., Luís L., Fontinha S., Martins S., Lobo C., Stech M. 2011. Epiphytic bryophyte diversity on Madeira Island: Effects of tree species on bryophyte species richness and composition. Bryologist 114 (1) : 142-154. DOI https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-114.1.142
Sukkharak P., Gradstein S.R., Stech M. 2011. Phylogeny, taxon circumscriptions, and character evolution in the core Ptychanthoideae (Lejeuneaceae, Marchantiophyta). Taxon 60 (6) : 1607-1622.
Stech M., Werner O., Maria González-Mancebo J., Patiño J., Sim-Sim M., Fontinha S., Hildebrandt I., Ros R.M. 2011. Phylogenetic inference in Leucodon Schwägr. subg. Leucodon (Leucodontaceae, Bryophyta) in the North Atlantic region. Taxon 60 (1) : 79-88.
2010

Books as editor

Quandt D., León-Vargas Y., Stech M. (eds.) 2010. Special Issue dedicated to: Jan-Peter Frahm: A career in the service of bryology. Tropical Bryology. 31: 174 p.

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Tangney R., Huttunen S., Stech M., Quandt D. 2010. A review of the systematic position of the pleurocarpous moss genus Acrocladium Mitten. Tropical Bryology 31: 164-170.
Sukkharak P., Gradstein S.R., Stech M. 2010. Towards a monograph of the genus Thysananthus (Marchantiophyta: Lejeuneaceae): progress and challenges. Scripta Botanica Belgica 48: 91.
Stech M., Sim-Sim M., Kruijer J. D. 2010. Campylopus Brid. (Leucobryaceae) in Macaronesia revisited. Tropical Bryology 31: 154-163.

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M., Sim-Sim M., Esquível M.G., Luís L., Fontinha S., Lobo C., Garcia C., Martins S., Vieira C., Barroso J., Pedro L.G., Figueiredo A.C.S. 2010. Molecular, phytochemical and morphological characterization of the liverwort genus Radula in Portugal (mainland, Madeira, Azores). Systematics and Biodiversity 8 (2) : 257-268. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/14772001003723579
Kruijer H.J.D, Raes N., Stech M. 2010. Modelling the distribution of the moss species Hypopterygium tamarisci (Hypopterygiaceae, Bryophyta) in Central and South America. Nova Hedwigia 91 (34) : 399-420. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029.5035/2010/0091.0399
Sim-Sim M., Fontinha S., Luís L., Lobo C., Stech M. 2010. The Selvagens Islands bryoflora and its relation with islands of the Madeira and Canary Islands Archipelagos. Nova Hedwigia Beihefte 138: 187-199.
Ellis L.T., Dickson J.H., Eckstein J., Fontinha S., Hedenäs L., Horton D., Hugonnot V., Kirmaci M., Kučera J., Lobo C., Luís L., Sim-Sim M., Singh H., Sahu V., Husain T., Asthana A.K., Stech M., Kruijer J.D., Sotiaux A., Suárez G.M., Schiavone M.M., Vanderpoorten A. 2010. New national and regional bryophyte records, 24. Journal of Bryology 32 (3) : 232-237. DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/037366810X12735735155895
Frey W., Pfeiffer T., Stech M. 2010. Geomolecular divergence patterns of Gondwanan and Palaeoaustral bryophytes - An overview. Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 34. Nova Hedwigia 91 (34) : 317-348. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029.5035/2010/0091.0317
2009

Chapters in book

Frey W., Stech M. 2009. Marchantiophyta, Bryophyta, Anthocerotophyta. Syllabus of Plant Families. 13th ed Schweizerbart, Stuttgart. ISBN 9783443010638.

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Sim-Sim M., Martins S., Luís L., Stech, M. 2009. New data on Cheilolejeunea cedercreutzii on Madeira Island. Portugaliae Acta Biologica 23: 239-240.

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Figueiredo A.C., Sim-Sim M., Barroso J.G., Pedro L.G., Esquível M.G., Fontinha S., Luís L., Martins S., Lobo C., Stech M. 2009. Liverwort Radula species from Portugal: chemotaxonomical evaluation of volatiles composition. Flavour and Fragrance Journal 24 (6) : 316-325. DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/ffj.1943
Blockeel T.L., Bednarek-Ochyra H., Ochyra R., Cykowska B., Esquível M.G., Lebouvier M., Luís L., Martins S., Müller F., Nemeth C., Papp B., Plášek V., Pócs T., Sabovljević M., Sérgio C., Sim-Sim M., Stech M., Váňa J., Yayintaş Ö.T. 2009. New national and regional bryophyte records, 21. Journal of Bryology 31: 132-139. DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/174328209X431213
Quandt D., Huttunen S., Tangney R., Stech M. 2009. Back to the future? Molecules take us back to the 1925 classification of the Lembophyllaceae (Bryopsida). Systematic Botany 34 (3) : 443-454. DOI https://doi.org/10.1600/036364409789271128
Stech M. 2009. Bryophyte molecular systematics - current state of affairs with examples from the European bryoflora. Gorteria: Tijdschrift voor de Floristiek 34 (12) : 41-52.
2008

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M., Sim-Sim M., Esquível M.G., Fontinha S., Tangney R., Lobo C., Gabriel R., Quandt D. 2008. Explaining the 'anomalous' distribution of Echinodium (Bryopsida: Echinodiaceae): Independent evolution in Macaronesia and Australasia. Organisms Diversity & Evolution 8 (4) : 282-292. DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ode.2008.02.001
Stech M., Pfeiffer T., Frey W. 2008. Phylogenetic relationships within Dendroligotrichum and Polytrichadelphus (Polytrichaceae, Polytrichopsida) in the Palaeoaustral region. Studies in austral temperate rainforest bryophytes 32. Australian Systematic Botany 21 (1) : 39-49. DOI https://doi.org/10.1071/SB07005
Sim-Sim M., Luís L., Garcia C., Fontinha S., Lobo C., Martins S., Stech M. 2008. New data on the status of threatened bryophytes of Madeira Island. Journal of Bryology 30: 226-228. DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/174328208X322260
2007

Books as editor

Kürschner H., Pfeiffer T., Stech M. (eds.) 2007. A Festschrift to Wolfgang Frey – a scientist´s life between deserts and rain forests. Nova Hedwigia Beihefte. 131: 277 p. J. Cramer, Stuttgart. ISBN 9783443510534.

Journals non-SCI, peer-reviewed

Kürschner H., Stech M., Sim-Sim M., Fontinha S., Frey W. 2007. Life form and life strategy analyses of the epiphytic bryophyte communities of Madeira's laurel and ericaceous forests. Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie 127: 151-164.

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M., Sim-Sim M., Frahm J.-P. 2007. Campylopus (Leucobryaceae, Bryopsida) on Madeira Island - Molecular relationships and biogeographic affinities. Nova Hedwigia Beihefte 131: 91-100.
Kürschner H., Stech M., Fontinha S., Sim-Sim M., Frey W. 2007. Epiphytic bryophyte communities of the Madeiran laurel and ericaceous forests - a phytosociological analysis. Nova Hedwigia 84 (34) : 333-362. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2007/0084-0333
Quandt D., Bell N., Stech M. 2007. Unravelling the knot: the Pulchrinodaceae fam. nov (Bryales). Nova Hedwigia Beihefte 131: 21-39.
2006

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Qiu Y.-L., Li L., Wang B., Chen Z., Knoop V., Groth-Malonek M., Dombrovska O., Lee J., Kent L., Rest J., Estabrook G.F., Hendry T.A., Taylor D.W., Testa C.M., Ambros M., Crandall-Stotler B., Duff R.J., Stech M., Frey W., Quandt D., Davis C.C. 2006. The deepest divergences in land plants inferred from phylogenomic evidence. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 103 (42) : 15511-15516. DOI https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0603335103
Frahm J.-P., Stech M. 2006. The taxonomic status of intermediate forms of Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) Brid. and C. pilifer Brid. (Dicranaceae, Bryopsida) newly discovered in Europe. Cryptogamie Bryologie 27 (2) : 213-223.
Stech M., Sim-Sim M. 2006. Molecular variation in Plagiomnium undulatum (Hedw.) T. J. Kop. and the status of P. undulatum var. madeirense T. J. Kop. & Sérgio. Journal of Bryology 28 (1) : 63-64. DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/174328206X104561
Pfeiffer T., Fritz S., Stech M., Frey W. 2006. Vegetative reproduction and clonal diversity in Rhytidium rugosum (Rhytidiaceae, Bryopsida) inferred by morpho-anatomical and molecular analyses. Journal of Plant Research 119 (2) : 125-135. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10265-005-0255-x
Stech M., Osman S., Sim-Sim M., Frey W. 2006. Molecular systematics and biogeography of the liverwort genus Tylimanthus (Acrobolbaceae). Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 33. Nova Hedwigia 83 (12) : 17-30. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2006/0083-0017
Stech M., Pfeiffer T. 2006. Molecular identity of Hypopterygium populations (Hypopterygiaceae: Bryopsida) from three European botanical gardens. Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 30. Journal of Bryology 28 (2) : 83-87. DOI https://doi.org/10.1179/174328206X105344
Stech M., Pfeiffer T., Frey W. 2006. Molecular relationships and divergence of palaeoaustral Dicranoloma species (Dicranaceae, Bryopsida). Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 31. Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory 100: 451-464.
2005

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M., Wagner D. 2005. Molecular relationships, biogeography, and evolution of Gondwanan Campylopus species (Dicranaceae, Bryopsida). Taxon 54 (2) : 377-382.
Sim-Sim M., Esquivel M.G., Fontinha S., Stech M. 2005. The genus Plagiochila (Dumort.) Dumort. (Plagiochilaceae, Hepaticophytina) in Madeira Archipelago - Molecular relationships, ecology, and biogeographic affinities. Nova Hedwigia 81 (34) : 449-461. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2005/0081-0449
Schaumann F., Frey W., Pfeiffer T., Stech M. 2005. Molecular circumscription, intrafamilial relationships and biogeography of the Gondwanan liverwort family Pallaviciniaceae (Hepaticophytina, Bryophyta). Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 27. Plant Systematics and Evolution 252 (12) : 27-48. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-004-0279-z
Wagner D., Stech M., Kürschner H. 2005. The taxonomic status of the neotropical Platyhypnidium aquaticum (A. Jaeger) M. Fleisch. (Brachytheciaceae, Bryopsida) based on ITS sequence data. Nova Hedwigia 80 (34) : 519-526.
Sim-Sim M., Stech M., Esquível M.G., Figueiredo A.C., Costa M.M., Barroso J.G., Pedro L.G., Fontinha S., Lobo C. 2005. Plagiochila spinulosa (Dicks.) Dumort. (Plagiochilaceae, Hepaticophytina) in Madeira Island - Morphological, phytochemical, and molecular evidence. Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory 98: 131-147.
2004

Chapters in book

Stech M., Dohrmann J. 2004. Molecular relationships and biogeography of two Gondwanan Campylopus species, C. pilifer and C. introflexus (Dicranaceae). Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden: 415-431. Missouri Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis, Missouri. ISBN 1930723385.
Quandt D., Müller K., Stech M., Frahm J.-P., Frey W., Hilu K.W., Borsch T. 2004. Molecular evolution of the chloroplast trnL-F region in land plants. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden: 13-37. Botanical Garden Press, St. Louis, Missouri. ISBN 1930723385.

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M. 2004. Supraspecific circumscription and classification of Campylopus (Dicranaceae, Bryopsida) based on inferences from sequence data. Systematic Botany 29 (4) : 817-824.
Stech M., Frey W. 2004. Molecular circumscription and relationships of selected Gondwanan species of Haplomitrium (Calobryales, Haplomitriopsida, Hepaticophytina). Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 24. Nova Hedwigia 78 (12) : 57-70. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2004/0078-0057
2003

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M., Quandt D., Frey W. 2003. Molecular circumscription of the hornworts (Anthocerotophyta) based on the chloroplast DNA trnL-trnF region. Journal of Plant Research 116 (5) : 389-398. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/S10265-003-0118-2
Stech M., Quandt D., Lindlar A., Frahm J.-P. 2003. The systematic position of Pulchrinodus inflatus (Pterobryaceae, Bryopsida) based on molecular data. Studies in austral temperate rainforest bryophytes 21. Australian Systematic Botany 16 (5) : 561-568. DOI https://doi.org/10.1071/SB02022
2002

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M., Pfeiffer T., Frey W. 2002. Molecular generic classification of the Hypopterygiaceae (Bryopsida), with the description of a new genus, Arbusculohypopterygium gen. nov. Studies in austral temperature rain forest bryophytes 10. New Zealand Journal of Botany 40 (2) : 207-221. DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/0028825X.2002.9512784
Stech M., Konstantinova N.A., Frey W. 2002. Molecular divergence between Treubia Goebel and Apotreubia S. Hatt. & Mizut., the two genera of the archaic liverwort class Treubiopsida (Hepaticophytina). Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 19. Nova Hedwigia 75 (12) : 91-100. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2002/0075-0091
Pfeiffer T., Frey W., Stech M. 2002. A new species of Treubia (Treubiaceae, Hepaticophytina) from New Zealand based on molecular evidence. Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 20. Nova Hedwigia 75 (12) : 241-253. DOI https://doi.org/10.1127/0029-5035/2002/0075-0241
2001

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M., Ros R.M., Werner O. 2001. The taxonomic status of Thamnobryum maderense (Kindb.) Hedenäs (Bryopsida) as inferred from molecular data. Nova Hedwigia 72 (12) : 251-257.
Stech M, Frey W. 2001. CpDNA-relationship and classification of the liverworts (Hepaticophytina, Bryophyta). Nova Hedwigia 72 (12) : 45-58.
Stech M., Frahm J.-P. 2001. The systematic position of Ochyraea tatrensis (Hypnobartlettiaceae, Bryopsida) based on molecular data. Bryologist 104 (2) : 199-203.
Stech M., Frahm J.-P. 2001. Palustriella pluristratosa spec. nov. (Amblystegiaceae, Bryopsida), a new aquatic moss species with pluristratose lamina from Switzerland. Botanica Helvetica 111 (2) : 139-150.
2000

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Stech M., Frahm J.-P., Hilger H.H., Frey W. 2000. Molecular relationship of Treubia Goebel (Treubiaceae, Treubiopsida) and high taxonomic level classification of the Hepaticophytina. Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 6. Nova Hedwigia 71 (12) : 195-208.
Pfeiffer T., Kruijer H., Frey W., Stech M. 2000. Systematics of the Hypopterygium tamarisci complex (Hypopterygiaceae, Bryopsida): Implications of molecular and morphological data. Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 9. Journal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory 89: 55-70.
Frahm J.P., Müller K., Stech M. 2000. The taxonomic status of Eurhynchium crassinervium from river banks based on ITS sequence data. Journal of Bryology 22: 291-292.
1999

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Frey W., Stech M., Meissner K. 1999. Chloroplast DNA-relationship in palaeoaustral Lopidium concinnum (Hypopterygiaceae, Musci). An example of stenoevolution in mosses - Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 2. Plant Systematics and Evolution 218 (12) : 67-75.
Stech M. 1999. Dichodontium palustre (Dicks.) Stech comb. nov., a new name for Dicranella palustris (Dicks.) Crundw. ex Warb. (Dicranaceae, Bryopsida). Nova Hedwigia 69 (12) : 237-240.
Stech M. 1999. A molecular systematic contribution to the position of Amphidium Schimp. (Rhabdoweisiaceae, Bryopsida). Nova Hedwigia 68 (34) : 291-300.
Stech M., Frahm J.-P. 1999. The status of Platyhypnidium mutatum Ochyra & Vanderpoorten and the systematic value of the Donrichardsiaceae based on molecular data. Journal of Bryology 21: 191-195.
1998

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Meissner K., Frahm J.-P., Stech M., Frey W. 1998. Molecular divergence patterns and infrageneric relationship of Monoclea (Monocleales, Hepaticae). Studies in austral temperate rain forest bryophytes 1. Nova Hedwigia 67 (34) : 289-302.
1997

Journals SCI, peer-reviewed

Capesius I., Stech M. 1997. Molecular relationships within mosses based on 18S rRNA gene sequences. Nova Hedwigia 64 (34) : 525-533.