Transfer of selected Ahnfeltiopsis (Phyllophoraceae,Rhodophyta) species to the genus Besa and description of Schottera koreana sp. nov.

We investigated species in the family Phyllophoraceae from Korea using nuclear large-subunit ribosomal RNA, mitochondrial COI and plastid rbcL sequences and morphological examination. To understand the taxonomic relationships of Korean Ahnfeltiopsis, we also analysed topotype materials of A. leptophylla and Besa papillaeformis from California. Both individual and combined datasets revealed that Korean Ahnfeltiopsis (except A. flabelliformis) consistently formed a clade with Californian A. leptophylla and Besa papillaeformis with strong support, and this Besa clade was distinct from other genera or genetic groups in the Phyllophoraceae. The form and development of reproductive structures in topotype material of B. papillaeformis as well as those of the four Ahnfeltiopsis species supported the molecular phylogeny and underlined the distinctiveness of the Besa clade. We therefore propose to transfer four Ahnfeltiopsis species to the genus Besa as Besa catenata, B. divaricata, B. leptophylla and B. paradoxa. The concept of the genus Besa is extended to species having a heteromorphic life history and conspicuous erect gametophytes. On the basis of our molecular phylogeny, we restore A. flabelliformis to the genus Gymnogongrus. We describe a new member of the Phyllophoraceae, Schottera koreana sp. nov., a deep-water species occurring along western and southern coastlines of Korea.     

Molecular and morphological evidence for Sheathia gen. nov. (Batrachospermales,Rhodophyta) and three new species

The freshwater red algal genus Batrachospermum has been shown to be paraphyletic since the first molecular studies of the Batrachospermales. Previous research, along with this study, provides strong support for the clade Batrachospermum section Helminthoidea. This study has found that heterocortication, the presence of both cylindrical and bulbous cells on the main axis, is an underlying synapomorphy of this clade. Based on support from DNA sequences of the rbcL gene, the COI barcode region and the rDNA ITS 1 and 2, along with morphological studies, the new genus Sheathia is proposed. Seven heterocorticate species were recognized from the molecular clades. Sheathia boryana and S. exigua sp. nov. appear to be restricted to Europe, whereas S. confusa occurs in Europe and New Zealand. Sheathia involuta is widespread in the USA and reported for the first time from Europe. Sheathia americana sp. nov., has been collected in the USA and Canada, and S. heterocortica and S. grandis sp. nov. have been collected only in the USA. Sheathia confusa and S. grandis can be distinguished based on morphological characters, whereas DNA sequence data are required to conclusively distinguish the other species. Sheathia fluitans and S. carpoinvolucra also are placed within this genus based on the presence of heterocortication. These data also hint at greater diversity among non‐heterocorticate Sheathia than is recognized by the single species name S. arcuata.     

Large subunit rDNA and rbcL gene sequence data place Petrohua bernabei gen. et sp. nov. in the Batrachospermales (Rhodophyta), but do not provide further resolution among taxa in this order

The phylogenetic relationship among 12 previously described batrachospermalean taxa and a novel member of the order were investigated using the LSU and rbcL genes separately and in combination. The primary goal of this research was to establish the phylogenetic placement of a previously undescribed freshwater red alga from Chile. The results showed that the new entity with pseudoparenchymatous tube morphology is a member of the Batrachospermales and Petrohua bernabei gen. et sp. nov. is described herein. This is the first record to our knowledge of a Lemanea‐like alga from Chile. It would appear that this thallus construction has evolved at least three times in the Batrachospermales and that the switch from a Batrachospermum‐like construction to a pseudoparenchymatous construction may be a repeated adaptive response to turbulent waterfall habitats. In addition to providing information about a new freshwater red alga, this study sought to determine whether combining the data from two genes would produce a more robust phylogeny, particularly for intermediate nodes, to resolve familial relationships within the order. As with previous analyses, the Batrachospermales was resolved as a clade and support was high for relationships resolved among relatively recent nodes. Unfortunately, combining the LSU and rbcL data did not have the desired effect of more fully resolving intermediate nodes among the Batrachospermales.     

Taxonomic and molecular studies of the family Sebdeniaceae (Sebdeniales,Rhodophyta): new species of Lesleigha gen. nov. and Crassitegula from Hawaii,east Asia and Lord Howe Island

The genus Lesleigha gen. nov., based on L. hawaiiensis sp. nov. from Oahu in the Hawaiian Islands, is characterized morphologically and anatomically and strongly supported as distinct from the other genera of the family Sebdeniaceae (Sebdenia and Crassitegula) primarily on the basis of mitochondrial COI-5P and nuclear SSU and LSU ribosomal DNA sequences. Characters distinguishing Lesleigha from Sebdenia include the repent, dorsiventral habit, nemathecial tetrasporangia, and irregularly cruciate tetrasporangial division pattern. Although these features are equally displayed by the recently described Crassitegula from Bermuda, that genus appears to differ from Lesleigha anatomically by its lack of a fusion cell subtending the gonimoblast, although in the absence of carposporophytes it is virtually necessary that DNA-sequence analyses be conducted before a distinction between Lesleigha and Crassitegula can be certain. Besides Lesleigha hawaiiensis, L. howensis sp. nov. is newly described from Lord Howe Island in the southern Pacific, and the Japanese and Korean Sebdenia yamadae is transferred to Lesleigha as L. yamadae, based on habit and anatomical conformity as well as DNA sequences. In addition, a new species of Crassitegula, C. imitans, is described from Lord Howe Island. The existence of further sebdenialean taxa is documented although not formally treated, indicating that substantial additional diversity most likely still awaits discovery in this reputedly species-poor order.     

Taxonomic contributions to Hapalidiales (Corallinophycidae,Rhodophyta): Boreolithothamnion gen. nov., Lithothamnion redefined and with three new species and Roseolithon with new combinations

Phylogenetic analyses of rbcL gene sequences and of concatenated rbcL, psbA, and nuclear SSU rRNA gene sequences resolved the generitype of Lithothamnion, L. muelleri, in a clade with three other southern Australian species, L. kraftii sp. nov., L. saundersii sp. nov., and L. woelkerlingii sp. nov. Cold water boreal species currently classified in Lithothamnion and whose type specimens have been sequenced are transferred to Boreolithothamnion gen. nov., with B. glaciale comb. nov. as the generitype. The other species are B. giganteum comb. nov., B. phymatodeum comb. nov., and B. sonderi comb. nov., whose type specimens are newly sequenced, and B. lemoineae comb. nov., B. soriferum comb. nov., and B. tophiforme comb. nov., whose type specimens were already sequenced. Based on rbcL sequences from the type specimens of Lithothamnion crispatum, L. indicum, and L. superpositum, each is recognized as a distinct species and transferred to the recently described Roseolithon as R. crispatum comb. nov., R. indicum comb. nov., and R. superpositum com. nov., respectively. To correctly assign species to these three genera based only on morpho-anatomy, specimens must have multiporate conceptacles and some epithallial cells with flared walls. The discussion provides examples demonstrating that only with phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences can the evolution of morpho-anatomical characters of non-geniculate corallines be understood and applied at the correct taxonomic rank. Finally, phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences support recognition of the Hapalidiales as a distinct order characterized by having multiporate tetra/bisporangial conceptacles, and not as a suborder of Corallinales whose tetra/bisporangial conceptacles are uniporate.     

Hypnea species (Gigartinales,Rhodophyta) from the southeastern coast of Brazil based on molecular studies complemented with morphological analyses,including descriptions of Hypnea edeniana sp. nov. and H. flava sp. nov.

The red algal genus Hypnea (Gigartinales) has a wide geographical distribution along tropical and subtropical coasts around the world. The relatively simple and plastic morphology, often influenced by the conditions of its habitat, complicates the identification of Hypnea species. Therefore, the number and status of some species remain in doubt. Molecular studies have been performed to supplement traditional studies based on morphology, mainly for Hypnea species occurring in Asia. In the present study, sequence data from the DNA barcode COI-5P for 114 samples from the southeastern coast of Brazil, indicated the occurrence of six taxa. Additionally, sequence data from the UPA and rbcL markers for representatives of each of those taxa confirmed the existence of six different species. After morphological analysis and comparison with sequences available in GenBank, these species were named as follows: H. aspera, H. cervicornis, H. cf. musciformis, H. spinella, and two new species, H. flava Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira and H. edeniana Nauer, Cassano & M.C. Oliveira. Hypnea cervicornis, often considered as a later synonym of H. spinella, should be considered as a distinct species based on morphology and divergence of the three molecular markers used. Hypnea aspera is a new record for the Atlantic Ocean.     

Polysiphonia freshwateri sp. nov. and Polysiphonia koreana sp. nov.: two new species of Polysiphonia (Rhodomelaceae,Rhodophyta) from Korea

Polysiphonia sensu lato comprises approximately 200 species, which are currently assigned to several different genera. To date, one of these genera, namely, Polysiphonia, has been reported to have 17 species. Here, we describe for the first time P. freshwateri sp. nov. and P. koreana sp. nov. from Uljin and Ulleung Island, Korea, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Polysiphonia freshwateri sp. nov. and P. koreana sp. nov. are characterized by having the typical Polysiphonia features. Polysiphonia freshwateri sp. nov. is further characterized by having abundant trichoblasts, conspicuous scar cells, and tetrasporangia arranged in spiral series. Polysiphonia koreana sp. nov. is further characterized by having very scarce scar cells placed between two pericentral cells, from which cicatrigenous branches arise. The results of our rbcL sequence analyses support the taxonomic placement of P. freshwateri sp. nov. and P. koreana sp. nov. within Polysiphonia.     

Ochtodes searlesii sp. nov. (Gigartinales,Rhodophyta), from the Pacific tropical coast of Mexico,based on morphological and molecular evidence

Ochtodes searlesii Mendoza‐González, Mateo‐Cid et Sentíes sp. nov. is described from Michoacán, tropical Mexican Pacific, on the basis of comparative morphology and rbcL sequence analysis. It is distinguished from other Ochtodes species by its erect axes arising from an encrusting base, its small terete fronds, regularly dichotomously branched axes, and obliquely divided zonate tetrasporangia. Phylogenetic analyses showed that three Pacific Mexican samples, from Caletilla, Zapote and La Majahuita (Michoacán), were identical and formed a distinctive and well supported Clade segregated from other species of Ochtodes from Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Guadeloupe and Mexico. The Mexican entity is morphologically distinct from other Ochtodes species as well. On this basis we propose a new Ochtodes species.     

Molecular phylogeny and developmental studies of Apoglossum and Paraglossum (Delesseriaceae,Rhodophyta) with a description of Apoglosseae trib. nov.

Our morphological and molecular studies indicate that species from the southern hemisphere previously placed in Delesseria belong in Paraglossum and that Paraglossum and Apoglossum comprise a separate tribe, the Apoglosseae, S.-W. Lin, Fredericq & Hommersand, trib. nov., within the family Delesseriaceae. From a vegetative perspective the Apoglosseae is readily recognized because some or all fourth-order cell rows are formed on the inner sides of third-order cell rows. All fourth-order cell rows grow adaxially in Apoglossum, whereas both adaxial and abaxial cell rows are present in Paraglossum. Periaxial cells do not divide in Apoglossum, whereas they divide transversely in Paraglossum in the same way as in Delesseria. Major branches are formed mainly from the margins of midribs in the Apoglosseae. The procarp consists of a straight carpogonial branch and two sterile cells, with the second formed on the same side as the first. The carpogonium cuts off two connecting cells in tandem from its apical end, the terminal cell being nonfunctional and the subterminal cell typically fusing with the auxiliary cell. Gonimoblast filaments radiate in all directions from the gonimoblast initials and produce carposporangia terminally in branched chains, with pit connections between the inner gonimoblast cells broadening and enlarging. The auxiliary cell, supporting cell, and sterile cells unite into a fusion cell, which remains small in Apoglossum but incorporates the branched inner gonimoblast filaments and cells in the floor of the cystocarp in Paraglossum. Elongated inner cortical cells seen in mature cystocarps in the Delesserieae are absent in the Apoglosseae. Phylogenetic studies based on rbcL (RuBisCO large subunit gene) sequence analyses strongly support the recognition of the Apoglosseae within the subfamily Delesserioideae of the Delesseriaceae, in agreement with our previous observations based primarily on analyses of large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU).     

Crusticorallina gen. nov., a nongeniculate genus in the subfamily Corallinoideae (Corallinales,Rhodophyta)

Molecular phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA (SSU) gene sequences confirm the placement of Crusticorallina gen. nov. in Corallinoideae, the first nongeniculate genus in an otherwise geniculate subfamily. Crusticorallina is distinguished from all other coralline genera by the following suite of morpho‐anatomical characters: (i) sunken, uniporate gametangial and bi/tetrasporangial conceptacles, (ii) cells linked by cell fusions, not secondary pit connections, (iii) an epithallus of 1 or 2 cell layers, (iv) a hypothallus that occupies 50% or more of the total thallus thickness, (v) elongate meristematic cells, and (vi) trichocytes absent. Four species are recognized based on rbcL, psbA and COI‐5P sequences, C. painei sp. nov., the generitype, C. adhaerens sp. nov., C. nootkana sp. nov. and C. muricata comb. nov., previously known as Pseudolithophyllum muricatum. Type material of Lithophyllum muricatum, basionym of C. muricata, in TRH comprises at least two taxa, and therefore we accept the previously designated lectotype specimen in UC that we sequenced to confirm its identity. Crusticorallina species are very difficult to distinguish using morpho‐anatomical and/or habitat characters, although at specific sites, some species may be distinguished by a combination of morpho‐anatomy, habitat and biogeography. The Northeast Pacific now boasts six coralline endemic genera, far more than any other region of the world.     

Riserius pugetensis gen. n., sp. n. (Nemertina: Anopla), a new mesopsammic species,and comments on phylogenetics of some anoplan characters

Riserius pugetensis gen. n., sp. n. is described from the northwest coast of Washington, U.S.A. It is probably a heteronemertine and, as such, would be the first known mesopsammic member of that order; it lives in the interstices of medium to coarse, moderately clean sands. Its morphology presents some attributes considered characteristic of mesopsammic fauna. The effect of some of these attributes is a generalized appearance of anatomical ‘simplicity’ and, as with other mesopsammic metazoans, this presents difficulties in distinguishing between primitiveness and reduction. In the new species such problematic features include the lack of subepidermal glandular cells and connective tissue, reduced proboscideal musculature, simple blood-vascular system, and the presence of a ‘secondary’, outer circular musculature in the body wall. The general appearance of this new species is very similar to the so-called palaeonemertine Hubrechtella and characteristics of both suggest relationship with the baseodiscid heteronemertines. These relationships are explored in light of a modified interpretation of proboscideal musculature, a traditional cornerstone of heteronemertmean taxonomy.     

新科Rhizoplacopsidaceae中的新属及新种Rhizoplacopsis weichingii

本文描述了位于新科盾叶科 Rhizoplacopsidaceae(Umbilicariales,Lecanoromycetes,Ascomycota)中的新属盾叶属 Rhizoplacopsis 和新种蔚青盾叶 Rhizoplacopsis weichingii。蔚青盾叶取名于著名中国真菌学家王云章教授之字“蔚青”,作为庆祝教授百岁生日之纪念。该新种在外形上与 Rhizoplaca 属地衣极为相似,但位于地衣体上的子囊盘却为网衣型。此外,它的子囊顶器结构非常接近于 Umbilicaria-type。基于分子数据,对 Rhizoplacopsis weichingii 及其它相关地衣进行的系统发育分析支持成立新属盾叶属 Rhizoplacopsis 和新科盾叶科 Rhizoplacopsidaceae。     

Ailadinium reticulatum gen. et sp. nov. (Dinophyceae), a New Thecate,Marine, Sand‐Dwelling Dinoflagellate from the Northern Red Sea

A new photosynthetic, sand‐dwelling marine dinoflagellate, Ailadinium reticulatum gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Jordanian coast in the Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, based on detailed morphological and molecular data. A. reticulatum is a large (53–61 μm long and 38–48 μm wide), dorsoventrally compressed species, with the epitheca smaller than the hypotheca. The theca of this new species is thick and peculiarly ornamented with round to polygonal depressions forming a foveate‐reticulate thecal surface structure. The Kofoidian thecal tabulation is APC (Po, cp), 4′, 2a, 6′′, 6c, 4s, 6′′′, 1p, 1′′′′ or alternatively it can be interpreted as APC, 4′, 2a, 6′′, 6c, 4s, 6′′′, 2′′′′. The plate pattern of A. reticulatum is noticeably different from described dinoflagellate genera. Phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU and LSU rDNA genes did not show any supported affinities with currently known thecate dinoflagellates.     

Morphology and molecular relationships of Leptofauchea rhodymenioides (Rhodymeniales,Rhodophyta), a new record for Japan

Leptofauchea rhodymenioides Taylor (Faucheaceae, Rhodymeniales) is reported from Japan for the first time, based on detailed morphological studies and molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear‐encoded small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and plastid‐encoded rbcL gene sequences. This is the first report of male gametophytes and detailed carposporophyte development in the genus Leptofauchea. This species is characterized as follows: (i) flat, membranous, and regularly and dichotomously branched thalli; (ii) the older blades are constricted below the apices; (iii) the cortex is composed of a continuous layer with an irregularly arranged outer layer, and the medulla of two to three incomplete layers; (iv) gametophytes are dioecious; (v) in males, the cortical cells cut off two to three spermatangial mother cells, which produce terminal spermatangia; (vi) in females, the procarp is composed of a three‐celled carpogonial branch and a two‐celled auxiliary cell branch; (vii) upon fertilization, the carpogonium directly contacts the auxiliary cell; (viii) the auxiliary mother cell fuses with vegetative cells, and forms a large trunk‐like fusion cell; (ix) gonimoblast filaments develop outwardly, and transform completely into carposporangia; (x) the carposporophyte is covered with a pericarp with a well‐defined tela arachnoidea; (xi) the mature cystocarp is spherical, has an ostiole, and protrudes from the blade margins; and (xii) the cruciately divided tetrasporangia are formed in nemathecia, produced laterally from paraphyses or terminally on short filaments. Molecular analyses suggest that Leptofauchea forms a strong sister alliance with the genus Webervanbossea. The families Faucheaceae and Lomentariaceae, and the genera Leptofauchea and Webervanbossea are monophyletic, but the latter two genera are not included in the Faucheaceae.     

High species richness and genetic diversity of the genus Caloglossa (Delesseriaceae,Rhodophyta) in New Ireland,Papua New Guinea

Distribution patterns and genetic diversity of Caloglossa species have been studied in various regions but are still poorly understood around the tropical western Pacific where many marine organisms show high species richness. We explored the diversity of Caloglossa species in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea using morphological and genetic analyses. Seven species of Caloglossa (C. adhaerens, C. leprieurii, C. ogasawaraensis, C. bengalensis, C. postiae, C. saigonensis and C. vieillardii) were collected from eight sites; the latter four species are new records in Papua New Guinea. All specimens collected were cultured to compare their morphology under the same culture condition. Reproductive structures of gametophytes and/or sporophytes were described for the first time in some species from these collections. In C. leprieurii, gall‐like structure appeared in most gametophyte strains but not in tetrasporophytes. Such galls were produced from wing cells, and spermatangia and/or procarps were formed on many galls. The LSU rDNA and rbcL analyses revealed high intraspecific diversity in many species although the number of samples was limited and the sampling sites were within 200 km. We revealed high species richness and intraspecific genetic variation in Papua New Guinea, suggesting a hot spot for the diversity of Caloglossa.     

Tetraflagellochloris mauritanica gen. et sp. nov. (Chlorophyceae), a New Flagellated Alga from the Mauritanian Desert: Morphology,Ultrastructure, and Phylogenetic Framing

Morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular‐sequence data were used to assess the phylogenetic position of a tetraflagellate green alga isolated from soil samples of a saline dry basin near F'derick, Mauritania. This alga can grow as individual cells or form non‐coenobial colonies of up to 12 individuals. It has a parietal chloroplast with an embedded pyrenoid covered by a starch sheath and traversed by single parallel thylakoids, and an eyespot located in a parietal position opposite to the flagellar insertion. Lipid vacuoles are present in the cytoplasm. Microspectroscopy indicated the presence of chlorophylls a and b, with lutein as the major carotenoid in the chloroplast, while the eyespot spectrum has a shape typical of green‐algal eyespots. The cell has four flagella, two of them long and two considerably shorter. Sequence data from the 18S rRNA gene and ITS2 were obtained and compared with published sequences for green algae. Results from morphological and ultrastructural examinations and sequence analysis support the placement of this alga in the Chlorophyceae, as Tetraflagellochloris mauritanica L. Barsanti et A. Barsanti, gen. et sp. nov.     

Cheilolejeunea morganii Bever. & Glenny (Lejeuneaceae,Marchantiopsida), a newly described species from lowland indigenous forest sites in New Zealand

Introduction. Cheilolejeunea morganii Bever. & Glenny, a new species of Cheilolejeunea from a lowland forest habitat in eastern Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand, is described and illustrated.

Methods. DNA sequences were extracted from recently collected material at two locations and compared with those for species in a published phylogeny of the genus to establish the position of C. morganii. Photographic images were obtained of key features of the species for the preparation of illustrations for publication.

Key results. Cheilolejeunea morganii does not match any species described for New Zealand or Australia. The sequencing results indicate its position in the phylogeny is close to Section Paroicae. A key to the New Zealand species of Cheilolejeunea is provided.

Conclusions. In the Australasian flora, C. morganii is distinguished from other species by its combination of monoicy, pycnolejeuneoid gynoecial innovations, lobule length less than 50% lobe length and a multicellular second lobule tooth with 3–4 cells uniseriate. A case is presented for the recognition of the species as a New Zealand endemic.     

Hidden diversity in high-latitude Southern Hemisphere environments: Reinstatement of the genus Rama and description of Vandenhoekia gen. nov. (Cladophoraceae,Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta), two highly variable genera

The continental coasts and remote islands in the high-latitude Southern Hemisphere, including the subantarctic region, are characterized by many endemic species, high abundance of taxa, and intermediate levels of biodiversity. The macroalgal flora of these locations has received relatively little attention. Filamentous green algae are prolific in the intertidal of southern islands, but the taxonomy, distribution, and evolutionary history of these taxa are yet to be fully explored, mostly due to the difficulty of access to some of these locations. In this study, we examined specimens of the order Cladophorales from various locations in the high-latitude Southern Hemisphere including the subantarctic (the Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, Macquarie Island, and Kerguelen Islands), as well as mainland New Zealand, the Chatham Islands, Chile, and Tasmania. The analyses of the rDNA sequences of the samples revealed the existence of two new clades in a phylogeny of the Cladophoraceae. One of these clades is described as the novel genus Vandenhoekia gen. nov., which contains three species that are branched or unbranched. The amended genus Rama is reinstated to accommodate the other clade, and contains four species, including the Northern Hemisphere “Cladophora rupestris.” In Rama both branched and unbranched morphologies are found. It is remarkable that gross morphology is not a predictor for generic affiliations in these algae. This study illustrates that much can still be learned about diversity in the Cladophorales and highlights the importance of new collections, especially in novel locations.