Sequencing type material resolves the identity and distribution of the generitype Lithophyllum incrustans,and related European species L. hibernicum and L. bathyporum (Corallinales,Rhodophyta)

DNA sequences from type material in the nongeniculate coralline genus Lithophyllum were used to unambiguously link some European species names to field‐collected specimens, thus providing a great advance over morpho‐anatomical identifi‐cation. In particular, sequence comparisons of rbcL, COI and psbA genes from field‐collected specimens allowed the following conclusion: the generitype species, L. incrustans, occurs mostly as subtidal rhodoliths and crusts on both Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, and not as the common, NE Atlantic, epilithic, intertidal crust reported in the literature. The heterotypic type material of L. hibernicum was narrowed to one rhodolith belonging in Lithophyllum. As well as occurring as a subtidal rhodolith, L. hibernicum is a common, epilithic and epizoic crust in the intertidal zone from Ireland south to Mediterranean France. A set of four features distinguished L. incrustans from L. hibernicum, including epithallial cell diameter, pore canal shape of sporangial conceptacles and sporangium height and diameter. An rbcL sequence of the lectotype of Lithophyllum bathyporum, which was recently proposed to accommodate Atlantic intertidal collections of L. incrustans, corresponded to a distinct taxon hitherto known only from Brittany as the subtidal, bisporangial, lectotype, but also occurs intertidally in Atlantic Spain. Specimens from Ireland and France morpho‐anatomically identified as L. fasciculatum and a specimen from Cornwall likewise identified as L. duckerae were resolved as L. incrustans and L. hibernicum, respectively.     

Trichocytes in Lithophyllum kotschyanum and Lithophyllum spp. (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) from the NW Indian Ocean

The current diagnosis of the genus Lithophyllum includes absent or rare trichocyte occurrence. After examining holotype material, single trichocytes have been revealed to occur abundantly in Lithophyllum kotschyanum Unger, and in freshly collected specimens of Lithophyllum spp. from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Socotra Island (Yemen). Trichocyte occurrence is not considered a diagnostic character at specific or supraspecific levels in the Lithophylloideae, and the ecological significance of trichocyte formation is discussed. The generitype species, L. incrustans Philippi, does not show trichocytes nor do many other Lithophyllum species from diverse geographic localities, but the presence of abundant trichocytes in other congeneric taxa requires emendation of the genus diagnosis. Therefore, the diagnosis of Lithophyllum is here emended by eliminating the adjective “rare” in the sentence concerning trichocyte occurrence, as follows: “Trichocytes present or absent, if present occurring singly.”     

A taxonomic reassessment of Spongites (Corallinaceae,Rhodophyta) based on studies of Kützing's original collections

Results from critical studies of the original collections upon which Spongites Kützing, 1841 is based have led to the designation of S. fruticulosa as lectotype species and to the resurrection and recognition of Spongites as a distinct genus of Corallinaceae (Rhodophyta). Spongites is characterized by the absence of geniculae, uniporate tetrasporangial conceptacles, a multistratose non-palisade and non-coaxial medulla (“hypothallium”) and cortex (“perithallium”), fusions between cells of adjacent filaments, and trichocytes which are solitary or arranged in a vertical series. Since at least 1883, the Kützing epithet “fruticulosa” has been misapplied widely to a taxon with multiporate tetrasporangial conceptacles, whereas the type collection of S. fruticulosa possesses uniporate tetrasporangial conceptacles. Of the six original species, three (S. fruticulosa, S. racemosa, S. stalactitica) are retained in Spongites; S. dentata is referred to Lithophyllum and S. nodosa to Lithothamnion as distinct species; and S. confluens is regarded to be conspecific with Lithophyllum incrustans Philippi. Detailed morphogological-anatomical accounts of specimens in the type collections are presented along with relevant historical data on the genus and on the various species studied. The relationships of Spongites to Neogoniolithon and to other genera of Corallinaceae also are discussed.     

Mediterranean Lithophyllum stictiforme (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) is a genetically diverse species complex: implications for species circumscription,biogeography and conservation of coralligenous habitats

Lithophyllum species in the Mediterranean Sea function as algal bioconstructors, contributing to the formation of biogenic habitats such as coralligenous concretions. In such habitats, thalli of Lithophyllum, consisting of crusts or lamellae with entire or lobed margins, have been variously referred to as either one species, L. stictiforme, or two species, L. stictiforme and L. cabiochiae, in the recent literature. We investigated species diversity and phylogenetic relationships in these algae by sequencing three markers (psbA and rbcL genes, cox2,3 spacer), in conjunction with methods for algorithmic delimitation of species (ABGD and GMYC). Mediterranean subtidal Lithophyllum belong to a well‐supported lineage, hereby called the L. stictiforme complex, which also includes two species described from the Atlantic, L. lobatum and L. searlesii. Our results indicate that the L. stictiforme complex consists of at least 13 species. Among the Mediterranean species, some are widely distributed and span most of the western and central Mediterranean, whereas others appear to be restricted to specific localities. These patterns are interpreted as possibly resulting from allopatric speciation events that took place during the Messinian Salinity Crisis and subsequent glacial periods. A partial rbcL sequence from the lectotype of L. stictiforme unambiguously indicates that this name applies to the most common subtidal Lithophyllum in the central Mediterranean. We agree with recent treatments that considered L. cabiochiae and L. stictiforme conspecific. The diversity of Lithophyllum in Mediterranean coralligenous habitats has been substantially underestimated, and future work on these and other Mediterranean corallines should use identifications based on DNA sequences.     

Neotypification of Amellus villosus,the identity of a bradbury collection,and typification of some other goldenasters (Compositae: Astereae)

Nomenclatural problems involving closely related North American goldenasters are resolved. No original type material (a collection by John Bradbury) is known forAmellus villosus Pursh, which is the basionym for the taxon referred to asChrysopsis villosa and more recently asHeterotheca villosa. The species is the first-described taxon inHeterotheca sect.Phyllotheca. A collection by Bradbury (LIV) was found to belong inH. camporum and does not match Pursh's protologue. A neotype (PH) was selected from collections by Thomas Nuttall. A problem in the typification of the second oldest taxon in sect.Phyllotheca was encountered. The specimen filed at K as the type ofDiplopappus hispidus Hook. was not the specimen cited in the protologue. A lectotype has been designated from collections by Richardson at BM. Other taxa placed in synonymy are also typified.     

Phylogenetic analysis of rhodolith formation in the Corallinales (Rhodophyta)

Although the ecological importance of rhodolith (maerl, free-living coralline algae) beds is well-known, rhodolith-forming species have been neglected in molecular phylogenetic studies. This is the first molecular systematic study aimed at understanding whether the rhodolith habit is a fixed feature in lineages and determining the relationship (phylogenetic vs. environmental) between rhodolith and crustose habits. Phylogenetic relationships of rhodolith-forming species and encrusting coralline algae at generic and species levels were analysed using SSU rDNA and psbA sequences. Extensive sampling in the European North Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean Mexico of Phymatolithon, Lithothamnion, Lithophyllum and Neogoniolithon taxa forming rhodoliths and crusts was accompanied by examination of type or topotype material. Phylogenetic reconstruction showed that Neogoniolithon contained a monophyletic group of rhodolith-forming species whereas other rhodolith-formers were closely related to encrusting forms in the genera Phymatolithon, Lithothamnion, Mesophyllum, Hydrolithon, Spongites and Sporolithon. DNA analysis showed that the crust-forming Lithophyllum cf. incrustans/dentatum also forms rhodoliths with a stone nucleus that occur on rocky shores. In contrast, species that form beds of non-nucleate rhodoliths (e.g. Neogoniolithon spectabile, N. strictum, Lithophyllum cf. incrustans/dentatum or sp. 1 and Phymatolithon calcareum) rarely form crusts. The rhodolith habit cannot be used to delimit species for taxonomic or identification purposes. Extensive taxonomic revision will be required to deal with problems such as the position of specimens identified as Lithophyllum margaritae in two unrelated lineages.     

Ephemerum hibernicum sp. nov. (Bryopsida: Ephemeraceae) from Ireland

Abstract

Ephemerum hibernicum sp. nov. is described from inundation zones of two lakes and a river in north-central Ireland and a river in western Ireland. It is most similar to E. crassinervium and E. sessile, but differs from both of these in several characters of the leaves. In particular, papillae on the upper lamina are much lower than in most E. crassinervium, while the leaves are longer and wider than in E. sessile, with a wider lamina towards the leaf apex, less well-defined costa and sometimes with large spinose marginal teeth. Ephemerum hibernicum is a rare species and its specialized habitat merits conservation.     

中国橐吾属(菊科-千里光族)的分类学研究(五):君范橐吾、长毛槖吾和南川橐吾原白中一些排印错误的改正

对我国菊科橐吾属(Ligularia Cass.) 3种植物原白中模式标本引证的排印错误进行了改正。君范橐吾(L. lingiana S.W. Liu)原白中错误地将主模式标本引证为赵清盛82946,实际应为赵清盛、牟克平和杨亚斌8294。长毛槖吾(L. changiana S.W. Liu ex Y. L. Chen & Z. Yu Li)(=L. heterophylla C. C. Chang,为L. heterophylla Rupr.的晚出同名)主模式为蔡希陶59771,但L. heterophylla C. C. Chang 的原白中错误地将主模式标本引证为蔡希陶59711;该号标本属于唇形科的灯笼草[Clinopodium polycephalum (Vaniot) C. Y. Wu & Hsuan]。南川橐吾(L. nanchuanica S. W. Liu)原白中引证的副模式标本熊济华和周子林93871实际应为李国凤63871,前者属于桤叶树科的城口桤叶树(Clethra fargesii Franch.)。     

The nomenclature and taxonomy of Macrocoma lycopodioides (Schwaegr.) Vitt

Abstract

Macrocoma 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 of Macrocoma. The habit drawing provided by Schwaegrichen in his original 1827 protologue of Macromitrium lycopodioides 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. Historically M. lycopodioides has been confused with various taxa, but in particular with M. tenue and a discussion is given of the treatment of the names in the 1800's.     

Succession and growth rates of encrusting crustose coralline algae (Rhodophyta,Cryptonemiales) in the upper fore-reef environment off Ishigaki Island,Ryukyu Islands

Observations were made on the succession and growth rates of crustose coralline algae growing in situ on artificial substrata in a shallow fore-reef environment on Ishigaki Island, Ryukyu Islands. Succession in well-illuminated environments manifests itself as a gradual replacement of species having very thin thalli by those having larger and thicker thalli. The species Porolithon onkodes, Paragoniolithon conicum and Lithophyllum insipidum achieved dominance by competitive interactions of overgrowing margins. The thicker species recruit quickly (within the first few months), but because of their slow growth rate do not displace the pioneer species that have very thin thalli until after the latter begin to die. Regardless of seasonal temperature fluctuations, which exceed 10 °C, the coralline algal succession is the same for each season. The maximum lateral growth rates of the major species range between 2.9 and 3.9 mm/month. Vertical growth rates of Porolithon onkodes, the thickest species, are the most rapid (more than 2 mm/year at maximum) relative to those of other species. Accretion rates of entire coralline algal cover on ungrazed substrata range from 1.0 to 1.2 mm/year (not allowing any lag time for recruitment), whereas those of grazed substrata are lower. These results are consistent with species which are ecological equivalents and live in similar environments on Caribbean reefs.     

Polysiphonia perforans sp. nova (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta) from the Mediterranean Sea

ABSTRACT

A new species of the genus Polysiphonia from the Mediterranean Sea is described. It is an ecorticate species, with 4 pericentral cells, showing prostrate axes from which erect axes arise. Rhizoids are formed by pericentral cells in a median position remaining in open connection with them. Erect axes are straight, simple throughout or pseudodichotomous at the base then simple or with one (rarely two-three) orders of branching; trichoblasts and scar cells not observed. Only tetrasporangial plants were found. They show ellipsoid tetrasporangia borne in short straight series, often interrupted by sterile segments. The new species is also characterized by a peculiar habit consisting of prostrate axes, adhering to lower faces of Peyssonnelia spp. by means of rhizoids growing upward, from which erect upright axes perforating thalli of the supporting species arise. A comparison with the related species of Polysiphonia was also carried out.     

Morphology and composition of mineral deposits of Lithophyllum byssoides (Lamarck) Foslie (Corallinales,Rhodophyta) from the Island of Ustica

ABSTRACT

The present study is based on the analysis of thalli of Lithophyllum byssoides (Lamarck) Foslie (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) collected from the Island of Ustica (southern Tyrrhenian Sea). Both the composition of mineral deposits, and the morphology of the thallus were examined. Chemical-mineralogical analyses (by energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffractometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry) revealed the structure and organisation of the mineral deposits, mainly calcium carbonate, present within the cell wall. Calcium carbonate was mainly deposited as calcite with 15% of magnesium carbonate, but aragonite was also detected. A comparison with data referring to thalli collected from two localities along the north-western coast of Sicily (Mannino, 1992, 1994) highlighted some differences, among the three populations, relative to composition of mineral deposits and population structure. Results from the present study also point to a relationship between composition of mineral deposits and environmental factors.     

DNA Sequencing of Type Material Reveals Pneophyllum marlothii comb. nov. from South Africa and P. discoideum comb. nov. (Chamberlainoideae,Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from Argentina

A partial rbcL sequence from the type material of Spongites discoideus from southern Argentina showed that it was distinct from rbcL sequences of South African specimens to which that name had been applied based on morpho-anatomy. A partial rbcL sequence from an original syntype specimen, herein designated the lectotype, of Lithophyllum marlothii, type locality Camps Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa, was identical to rbcL sequences of South African field-collected specimens assigned to S. discoideus. Based on phylogenetic analyses of rbcL and/or psbA sequences, both of these species belong in Pneophyllum and are transferred there as P. discoideum comb. nov. and P. marlothii comb. nov. The two species exhibit a distinct type of development where thick, secondary, monomerous disks are produced from thin, primary, dimerous crusts. Whether this type of development represents an example of convergent evolution or is characteristic of a clade of species within Pneophyllum remains to be resolved.     

Typification of Sphagnum capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw.

Abstract

On the basis of the protologue, the name Sphagnum nemoreum Scop. is treated as a nomen dubium and consequently is rejected. S. capillifolium (Ehrh.) Hedw. is lectotypified through a Dillenius specimen, and is proposed to be adopted as the correct name of this species.     

Melanothamnus maniticola sp. nov. (Ceramiales,Rhodophyta): an epizoic species evolved for living on the West Indian Manatee

Over 35 macroalgae have been documented growing epizoically on sea turtles, and macroalgae are also known to grow on the West Indian Manatee, but the number and identity of these latter species have not been determined. Analysis of DNA sequences of 12 samples collected from different manatees captured in three areas of Florida indicated that they represented a single undescribed species within the Rhodomelaceae genus Melanothamnus. Morphological analysis revealed Melanothamnus characteristics but also a previously undescribed combination of character states. These include eight to nine, but as many as 11, pericentral cells; heavy cortication restricted to the base of thalli, and a sharp transition between the corticated and ecorticate sections of the thallus; cells surrounding the ostiole being similar in size to the outer pericarp cells immediately below, and robust rhizoids that have no terminal lobes and develop from central axial cell filaments instead of pericentral cells. The unique characteristics of the rhizoids may be evolutionary adaptations for anchoring the thalli to manatee epidermis. This species is described as M. maniticola sp. nov.     

Lectotypification of Acrostichum spicatum (Lepisorus spicatus,Polypodiaceae)

The original material of the fern species name Acrostichum spicatum (Polypodiaceae) was detected in the Linnaean Herbarium in London. It is selected as the lectotype in consultation with the protologue of the name, thus superseding the neotypes in the collections of Commerson and Sonnerat.     

Porphyra lilliputiana sp. nov. (Bangiales, Rhodophyta): A diminutive New Zealand endemic with novel reproductive biology

A new species of Porphyra, Porphyra lilliputiana, is described for the New Zealand region. This species is very small ([5] 10–20 [35] mm) and is found growing epiphytically, epilithically and epizoically on upper inter-tidal shores of moderate exposure. Field-collected material of P. lilliputiana possessed archeosporangia, endosporangia, spermatangia and zygotosporangia. In culture, archeospores vi/ere released and germinated to form thalli. Endosporangia either developed directly into thalli or released endospores which individually formed thalli. Zygotospores developed into the concho-celis phase, which formed conchosporangia. Released conchospores formed thalli. This species is distinguished by its small size, arrangement of reproductive cells, occurrence of endosporangia, dentate margin and habitat.     

Size-dependence of reproductive allocation of Sargassum thunbergii (Sargassaceae, Phaeophyta) in Bohai Bay, China

Reproductive allocation (the proportion of biomass allocated to reproductive tissue, RA) in Sargassum thunbergii was studied in Yantai, Shandong Peninsula, southern coast of Bohai Bay, China. Annual reproduction initiated in mid-June and peaked in mid-July (90 ± 8% fertile thalli and 75 ± 6% RA mean). Both RA and percentage of fertile thalli exhibited significant temporal variations during reproduction. Sterile thalli were only observed in small length hierarchies at peak reproduction and mean values of RA showed a significantly hierarchical variation, suggesting that the size of thalli played an important role in reproduction and RA were size-dependent. Numerous receptacles were produced along the lateral branches during the reproductive period. A distinct seasonal pattern was observed wherein the presence of lateral branches was followed by the onset of reproduction. RA was positively correlated with the number of lateral branches, as well as the total length of lateral branches. In addition, fertile thalli decayed quickly after peak reproduction. The probability of decay was evidently higher for fertile than for sterile thalli, because all surviving thalli were sterile and short during July–August. So, a trade-off between reproduction and survival may exist at individual levels in S. thunbergii.     

The confusion of Agave vivipara L. and A. angustifolia Haw., two distinct taxa

Agave vivipara L. andA. angustifolia Haw., considered conspecific by Wijnands, are shown to be two distinct species. A previous neotypification (as a lectotypification) ofA. angustifolia by Gentry is superseded because it is in conflict with the protologue; a new neotype is designated herein. The economic importance ofA. angustifolia is summarized.