The phylogenetic position of Vandiemenia ratkowskiana (Metzgeriales, Marchantiophyta)

A molecular phylogenetic analysis was carried out on a range of simple thalloid liverworts, particularly focusing on the genus <i>Vandiemenia</i>. Two major clades were indicated: the Metzgeriales clade comprising Metzgeriaceae, Vandiemeniaceae, and Aneuraceae and a clade comprising the other orders of sampled thalloid liverworts: Pelliales, Fossombroniales, and Pallaviciniales. In the Metzgerialean clade, the Aneuraceae appeared at the most basal position, and <i>Vandiemenia</i> was sister to <i>Metzgeria</i> with high supporting values. The results support the taxonomic conclusion that <i>Vandiemenia</i> should be placed in the Metzgeriaceae.