The neotropical moss Syntrichia bogotensis (Hampe) R. H. Zander is reported for the first time for Macaronesia on the basis of six collections from Madeira Island (Portugal). This species has previously been known only from tropical America. The principal distinctive characters that separate it from the two nearest species, S. andicola and S. norvegica, are discussed. The species is illustrated, its distribution is mapped, and its name lectotypified. A key to the Madeiran taxa of Syntrichia is provided.