AbstractMacrocoma lycopodioides(Schwaegr.) Vitt is the correct name for those southern African specimens of the genus which are characterized byfragile leaves, bistratose upper leaf cells, peristome reduced to a double basal membrane, hairy calyptras, and dioicous sexual condition. A key is given to the four African members ofMacrocoma. The habit drawing provided by Schwaegrichen in his original 1827 protologue ofMacromitriumlycopodioides is remarkably similar to one portion of the collection presently found in his herbarium, and this portion of his specimen is suggested as the most appropriate Lectotype. HistoricallyM. lycopodioideshas been confused with various taxa, but in particular withM. tenueand a discussion is given of the treatment of the names in the 1800's.