AbstractThe history and nomenclatural problems of the nameLimbellaare reviewed, the correct citation of the generic name beingLimbella(C. Muell.) Broth. The genus consists of two species,L. tricostata(Sull.) Broth. andL. fryei(R. S. Williams) Ochyra which are described.L. tricostatais endemic to the Hawaiian Islands andL. fryeito Oregon on the Pacific coast of North America. Sporophytes are recorded for the first time inL. tricostata.The family relationships ofLimbellaare discussed and it is placed in the Thamnobryaceae, close toThamnobryum.