Whittier and Whittier (1987) report that: "1) floristic exploration [of the paleotropics] remains far [italics theirs] from complete, and becomes increasingly urgent with explosive population growth and housing development with concomitant agricultural/forestry expansion; that 2) further monographic research is acutely needed to resolve nomenclatural, systematic and biogeographic problems ..."Although many authors have done and continue to do pivotal work on paleotropical bryology (e.g., Norris and Koponen, 1985a-b; 1987; Norris et al., 1988; Menzel and Schultze-Motel, 1990; Nowak, 1980; Miller et al., 1963; 1978; Reese et al. 1986a-b; Touw, 1971; 1974; 1978; 1992), understanding of the bryo-flora for the paleotropics remains incomplete. Clearly more explorations, collections, and extensive analyses which result in systematic monographs and robust phylogenies are needed.
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