ABW Issues

Acta Botanica Weberi  —  ISSN 2561-9357

No. 4 – 2021

Bibliography of the Botanical Lifework of William Alfred Weber (1918–2020)

Presented and Edited by Linna Weber Müller-Wille
assisted by Ludger Müller-Wille and Ragnar Müller-Wille

Appearing upon the first anniversary of his death at the age of 101 years, this comprehensive bibliography endeavors to encapsulate and reflect the entirety of William A. Weber’s diverse and extraordinary legacy of 81 years of publications. The immense breadth of his botanical publications covered many fields (vascular plants, lichens, and bryophytes) and stretched to all parts of the globe. Among his non-botanical works are publications on ecology, conservation, naming practices, book reviews, obituaries, and biographical works.


No. 3 – 2020

Philonotis in Colorado
(an informal investigation)

William A. Weber

DOWNLOAD [download id=”806″]

Abstract: The genus Philonotis is considered to be almost an impossible genus to classify. However, if we deal with it within a small area of the world, especially one like the Colorado Rocky Mountains, in which the habitats tend not to intergrade with each other, we are discovering that there really are different species, and they can be approached both in the field as well as under the microscope. This article expands upon and supersedes the treatment of Philonotis published previously in Bryophytes of Colorado (Weber and Wittmann 2007). Dr. Weber’s wish and hope was that this treatment would be an inspiration for others to further study this important but neglected genus.

This issue of Acta Botanica Weberi is both the first posthumous issue and the last that Dr. Weber was able to contribute final touches to himself. We as a family will continue to publish further issues in his memory, will endeavour to keep the standards equal to his scientific rigour, and will do our utmost in bringing his remaining unfinished writings to publication.


No. 2 – 2019

Rare Disjunct Cryptogams in Colorado
(Mosses, Hepatics, and Lichens)

William A. Weber

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Abstract: The concept of rarity is discussed, particularly in regard to disjunct species, eco-niches, habitats, and preservation thereof. A detailed explanatory list of rare disjunct mosses, hepatics, and lichens present in Colorado is provided. The hope is that the species lists presented here will be of practical use to local botanists and amateurs intrigued by cryptogams and their intriguing distributions.


No. 1 – 2018

Global Plant Distribution and Continental Drift : Two moss species

William A. Weber and Linna Weber Müller-Wille

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Abstract: Two calcareous mosses are discussed in an attempt to understand their extraordinary global distribution. Both are lowland and coastal species that, surprisingly, also occur rarely at high altitude. One has a far-flung distribution worldwide. The phytogeographical displacements of Grimmia incrassicapsulis and Leptodon smithii have likely taken place over many millennia as the continental plates moved, carrying these mosses to their present positions. Accompanying tectonic forces carried them from coastal areas to the mountains. The most likely period for such displacement to have started is the late Permian to early Triassic when Pangaea began to break apart.

It appears these mosses have remained virtually unchanged over time. Ideas are offered about how they may have escaped the pressures of natural selection.

The theories mentioned are substantiated by Dr. Weber’s personal field experiences collecting and observing mosses, along with their habitats, throughout the world.
Suggestions for further research are proposed.