Studies on freshwater red algae of Malaysia III. development of carposporophytes ofBatrachospermum cayennense Montagne,B. beraense Kumano andB. hypogynum Kumano et Ratnasabapathy

The development of the carposporophytes ofBatrachospermum cayennense, B. beraense andB. hypogynum is observed. The carpogonium bearing branch ofB. cayennense is very long and its cells are differentiated from those of the vegetative fascicles in size and shape. The trichogyne nucleus ofB. cayennense andB. beraense is not recognized. In the above two species it is observed that after contact with the trichogyne the nucleus of the spermatium divides into two daughter nuclei, one of which fuses with the female nucleus, while the other remains in the trichogyne. InB. beraense the fertilized carpogonium is divided transversely and the gonimoblast filaments are produced from the divided carpogonium. The protoplasmic connection between the carpogonium and the hypogynous nutritive cell is especially pronounced inB. hypogynum. Carpospores ofB. hypogynum germinate within the carposporangia and young germlings often throw away original carpospores, hence these young germlings look like gemmae.     

The fine structure of the pit connections ofBatrachospermum sirodotii skuja

Summary A new type of pit connection is described in the fresh water red algaBatrachospermum sirodotii and reported inTuomeya sp. consisting of a doughnut-shaped pit ring with a central pore that is occluded by a rivet-shaped pit plug. This structure occurs in pit connections between cells of the indeterminant axes and also cells of whorled assimilatory branches of limited growth, the pleuridia, but not between axial cells and the basal cells of the pleuridia, the periaxial cells. The pit plug and pit ring ultimately break down in pit connections of the main axis reopening the septal pore to intercellular cytoplasmic connection between vegetative axial cells. A similar breakdown of pit connections may also occur in the pleuridia. The functioning of a truncated cone-shaped network of endoplasmic reticulum in the development of the pit connection is described.This report represents a portion of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of a Doctor of Philosophy degree, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.     

LEACHIELLA PACIFICA,GEN. ET SP. NOV., A NEW PARASITIC RED ALGA FROM WASHINGTON AND CALIFORNIA

Leachiella pacifica, gen. et sp. nov., a marine alloparasitic red alga is described from Washington and California. Several species of Polysiphonia and Pterosiphonia are hosts for this parasite. The thallus is a white, multiaxial, unbranched pustule with rhizoidal filaments that ramify between host cells, forming numerous secondary pit connections with host cells. All reproductive structures develop from outer cortical cells. Tetrasporocytes, situated on stalk cells, undergo simultaneous, tetrahedral cleavage to form tetraspores. Spermatia are formed continuously by oblique cleavages of the elongate spermatial generating cells. This results in spermatial clusters consisting of 4–8 spermatia in an alternate arrangement. Carposporophyte development is procarpial. The carpogonium is part of a six-celled branch including a sterile cell that is formed by the basal cell. The carpogonial branch is attached laterally to an obovate supporting cell that also forms an auxiliary cell, presumably formed prior to fertilization. After fertilization the carpogonium temporarily fuses with the auxiliary cell apparently to transfer the diploid nucleus and initiate further fusion with the subtending supporting cell to form an incipient fusion cell. The auxiliary cell portion of this fusion cell divides to form gonimoblast initials that continue to divide, forming gonimoblast filaments whose terminal cells differentiate into carpospores. The remainder of the fusion cell enlarges by continual fusion with adjacent vegetative cells. The resultant carposporophyte consists of a basal, multinucleate fusion cell supporting a hemispherical cluster of gonimoblast filaments with terminally borne carpospores. Vegetatively, Leachiella resembles several other parasitic red algae but it is clearly separated by the procarp, carposporophyte development and structure, and tetrasporocyte cleavage.     

THE ATLANTIC SPECIES OF SOLIERIA (GIGARTINALES,RHODOPHYTA): THEIR MORPHOLOGY,DISTRIBUTION AND AFFINITIES1

Solieria chordalis (C. Agardh) J. Agardh and S. tenera (J. Agardh) Wynne et Taylor exhibit multiaxial growth from a cluster of four to eight obconical apical cells. A single periaxial cell is cut off from each axial cell and successive periaxial cells are rotated 120° in a zig-zag pattern along each axial filament. Periaxial cells produce branched, laterally diverging filaments which form the cortex. The medulla is composed of axial cells, elongate cells of lateral filaments, stretched interconnecting cells, and secondary rhizoids. The two species are nonprocarpic. Carpogonial branches are 3-celled, inwardly directed, with a reflexed trichogyne. The auxiliary cell together with associated darkly-staining inner cortical cells form an association, the auxiliary cell complex, that is recognizable prior to diploidization. A single, unbranched, non-septate connecting filament issues from the fertilized carpogonium and fuses with the inner, lateral side of an auxiliary cell. Production of an involucre from surrounding vegetative cells is stimulated and a gonimoblast initial is cut off toward the interior of the thallus which divides to form a compact cluster of gonimoblast cells. A fusion cell is produced through fusion of inner gonimoblast cells with the auxiliary cell that, in turn, fuses progressively with cells of the lateral file bearing the auxiliary cell. Mature cystocarps have terminal carposporangia cut off from gonimoblast cells at the periphery of the fusion cell and are surrounded by an involucre with a distinct ostiole. Tetrasporangia are cut off laterally from surface cortical cells which then cut off one or two additional derivatives toward the outside. A lectotype is designated for Solieria chordalis, but the lectotypification of S. tenera is questioned. We conclude that Solieria is closely related to Rhabdonia and place the Rhabdoniaceae in synonomy with the Solieriaceae.     

Ultrastructure of carpogonia and carpogonial branches of Batrachospermum helminthosum and Batrachospermum involution (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta)

The carpogonial branches of Batrachospermum involutum of section Batrachospermum are similar in ultrastructure to nearby fascicles, having uninucleate cells with abundant starch granules and several peripheral, well-developed chloropiasts (up to 10 μm long). In contrast, the short carpogonial branch cells of Batrachospermum helminthosum (section Virescentia) have no visible starch and chloropiasts are reduced in size (up to 2 μm long) with few thylakoids. The breakdown of cross walls among cells of the carpogonial branch is also common in B. helminthosum but does not occur in B. involutum. As a result of cross wall breakdown in the former species, 2-7 nuclei can occur in a continuous cytoplasm. Trichogynes in both species contain scattered mitochondria, vesicles/small vacuoles, osmiophilic globules, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and small chloropiasts. Polylamellate structures also occur in the trichogyne in B. involution. The carpogonial base was fully observed only in B. involutum and it contains a prominent nucleus, ER, chloropiasts and a pit plug connecting it to the subtending carpogonial branch cell. Partial observations of carpogonial branches and carpogonia were made on four other members of the family Batrachospermaceae.     

MORPHOLOGY AND SYSTEMATICS OF RHODOCALLIS ELEGANS, RHODOCALLIDEAE, TRIB. NOV. (CERAMIACEAE, RHODOPHYTA), FROM SOUTHEASTERN AUSTRALIA

Recent collections of Rhodocallis elegans Kützing from southeastern Australia have permitted detailed observations of vegetative and reproductive structures that reveal features not exhibited by any existing tribe of Ceramiaceae. As a consequence, we establish the new tribe Rhodocallideae based on the unispecific genus Rhodocallis. Defining characters include: 1) four periaxial cells cut off in an alternating (rhodomelaceous) sequence; 2) determinate branchlets of two types: a) persistent lateral branchlets produced from the first-formed periaxial cells, and b) deciduous transverse branchlets produced from the second and third periaxial cells, with cortical filaments issuing from all four periaxial cells; 3) first- and second-order determinate branchlets terminated by thick-walled spines; 4) indeterminate branches formed at the tips of directly converted determinate branchlets; 5) axial cells of indeterminate branches heavily corticated by a cylinder of descending rhizoidal filaments; 6) spermatangial parent cells borne directly on unmodified outer cortical cells; 7) carpogonial branches borne in series on second and third periaxial cells of modified indeterminate axes; 8) procarps lacking sterile-cell groups; 9) a single derivative of the zygote nucleus transferred from the carpogonium to the auxiliary cell directly through a tube rather than by means of a connecting cell; 10) gonimoblasts surrounded by a network of rhizoidal filaments through which the gonimolobes protrude, the carposporophyte subtended by an investment of determinate branchlets; and 11) tetrasporangia tetrahedrally divided, borne on surface cortical cells of special determinate branchlets and protruding outside the cuticular layer.     

Immunofluorescence Study of Microtubule Organization in Some Polarized Cell Types of Selected Brown Algae

The microtubule (Mt) organization in apical cells of Sphacelaria rigidula. as well as in branch initials of S. rigidula and Ectocarpus siliculosus, was studied by immunofluorescence. The apical interphase cells of S. rigidula show an impressive cytoskeleton of Mts, converging on the centrosome(s). A number of Mt bundles are perinuclear, but most of them run in axial orientation from the centrosomes to the cell cortex. The anterior Mt system consists of numerous thin Mt bundles, whereas the posterior system contains fewer and thicker bundles. In cells entering prophase, the cytoplasmic Mts gradually disappear. This process is somewhat faster at the posterior than at the anterior pole of the premitotic nucleus. After mitosis, the cytoplasmic Mts of the apical region appear to be re-organized more rapidly than those of the basal part of the cell. The apical daughter nucleus retains a lobed shape and condensed chromatin for a longer time, and increases considerably in size between telophase and cytokinesis, compared to the basal one. Duplication of the centrosomes proceeds more rapidly in the anterior region of apical cells than in the basal part. During branch formation in S. rigidula and E. siliculosus, a new polarity axis is established, and the Mts extend towards the protrusion into which the nucleus migrates before mitosis. After nuclear division, one of the daughter nuclei is positioned at the tip of the branch, where the apical Mt focussing point is localized.     

A re-examination of the morphology and reproduction of Nothocladus lindaueri (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta)

The vegetative morphology and reproduction of the freshwater rhodophyte Nothocladus lindaueri Skuja [=Batrachospermum lindaueri (Skuja) Necchi et Entwisle] were examined by light and electron microscopy. It was confirmed that this alga has a typical batrachospermalean pit plug with two cap layers, the outer one of which is domed. During elongation of hair cells, the primary wall is broken, forming a basal collar. Hair cells have a single nucleus and abundant Golgi bodies, en-doplasmic reticula (ER) and vesicles. Dividing apical cells of the fascicles have a nucleus with art adjacent zone of exclusion, the latter containing a single polar ring. Branched trichogynes and fertilized carpogonia are shown for the first time in this species. Carpogonial branch and involucral cells contain a prominent axial nucleus, proplastids, ER and vesicles. The pit plugs disintegrate among these cells leaving open pit connections. Carpogonia have plentiful mitochondria and vesicles. The wall at the trichogyne apex is thickened and densely stained. The carposporophyte centre consists of a mass of fusion cells with open pit connections, and indeterminate gonimoblast filaments arise from this mass. The combination of a symmetrical carpogonial base, a carposporophyte centre consisting of a mass of fusion cells, and exclusively indeterminate gonimoblast filaments appears to be unique among the members of the Batrachospermaceae. The specimen of N. lindaueri contains epiphytic filaments of Audouinella meiospora producing both spermatangia and monosporangia. Spermatium formation in N. lindaueri remains unknown.     

ORIGIN,DEVELOPMENT, AND GROWTH OF DIFFERENTIATING TRICHOBLASTS IN ELODEA CANADENSIS

Root hairs of Elodea canadensis develop only from cells which undergo a particular series of developmental steps. These cells, the trichoblasts, are formed as the smaller, proximal product of an asymmetric division, and immediately enter a prolonged phase of synthesis. Histochemical tests show that large amounts of RNA and protein accumulate in the vastly enlarged nucleolus and cytoplasm, while histone increases in the enlarging nucleus. Cytophotometry shows that DNA in the nucleus reaches polyploid levels. Throughout the synthetic phase, almost to the point of root hair initiation at 9.5 mm proximal to the meristem initials, vacuolation is delayed and the trichoblasts elongate less extensively. All results suggest that this synthesis is the type which normally follows cell division, but is greatly enhanced in the trichoblast. In contrast, the initially larger atrichoblasts only accumulate RNA, DNA, and protein in the region from 1 mm to 2 mm proximal to the meristem tip, and they then enter a phase of extensive vacuolation and elongation.     

Division,growth, and branch formation in protonema of the mossPhyscomitrium turbinatum: Studies of sequential cytological changes in living cells

Summary Elongating caulonemal tip cells ofPhyscomitrium turbinatum were cultivated on mediumcoated cover slips and periodically observed with Nomarski differential interference contrast optics. Tip cells exhibit apical growth and an average growth rate of 27.5 m/h. During cell elongation the nucleus migrates forward in the tip cell, but this movement slowly decreases so that there is a gradual increase in the distance between the nucleus and cell tip. Minimum length cells contain small vacuoles adjacent to the basal wall which coalesce during subsequent cell elongation to form a solitary large basal vacuole.An increase in chloroplasts during cell elongation is due to the presence of a population of proliferating chloroplasts located between the cell tip and the nucleus resulting in a gradient in chloroplast number and shape. The zone of chloroplast proliferation shifts progressively forward during cell elongation from a peri-nuclear position to a region closer to the cell tip. During division of the apical cell a perpendicular metaphase plate is formed. Reorientation movements of the phragmoplast-cell plate during telophase, and early stages of the following interphase produce a 35–40° cross wall. This rotation of the spindle axis positions the daughter nuclei temporarily adjacent to the lateral walls on opposite sides of the cell with the sub-apical nucleus on the side nearest the light source. It subsequently migrates across the cell to become situated on the wall farthest from the light source. Sub-apical cells form branches at the distal (= apical) end of the cell on the lateral wall closest to the light source. Branch development is accompanied by changes in chloroplast shape, number, and position.     

BATRACHOSPERMUM HETEROCORTICUM SP. NOV. AND POLYSIPHONIA SUBTILISSIMA (RHODOPHYTA) FROM FLORIDA SPRING-FED STREAMS1

Polysiphonia subtilissima Mont. Is reported for the first time from a freshwater environment. The presence of four pericentral cells, subdichotomous branching, apical trichoblasts and rhizoids arising from pericentral cells combined with a lack of cortication and reproductive cells is consistent with marine populations of this species. The range of filament length is 1.4–4.7 cm. Branch diameters are 38–76 μm and pericentral cell lengths are 58–125 μm. Batrachospermum heterocorticum sp. nov. is distinguished primarily by a developmental change in cortical filaments from typical cylindrical cells (5.0–7.9 μm diam in initial stages to enlarged, elliptical cells (12.9–24.1 μm diam) in mature axes. Another unique feature of this species is carpogonia with cylindrical, pedicellate trichogynes on stringht carpogonial branches in mid to outer portions of lateral whorls. Other characteristics of B. heterocorticum include the following: olive-green color, 2–6 cm length, dichotomous to trichotomous fascicles in 4–7 tiers, 385–647 μm whorl diameters, 109–198 μm carpospore diameters and relatively small “chantransia” filaments.     

Affinities of the freshwater red alga Audouinella macrospora (Florideophyceae, Rhodophyta) and related forms based on ssu rrna gene sequence analysis and pit plug ultrastructure

Small subunit rDNA sequencing and transmission electron microscopy were performed to clarify the ordinal affinities of Audouinella macrospora (Wood) Sheath et Burkholder isolates 3394, 3395, and 3603, as well as Chantransia sp. isolate 3585. Culture 3603 is known to produce thalli of Batrachospermum  -like morphology under certain culture conditions. Sequence analyses unequivocally placed the three Audouinella macrospora isolates in a clade with Batrachospermum macrosporum Montagne of the Batrachospermales, and Chantransia sp. was found to have affinities with B. louisianae Skuja and B. virgato-decaisneanum Sirodot. The pit plugs of the Audouinella macrospora cultures 3394 and 3395 were nearly identical in size and structure, having thickened plug caps and no cap membranes. Both of these features agree with those of the Batrachospermaceae, with the latter feature showing batrachospermacean rather than acrochaetioid affinities. Pit plugs in the chantransia phase of 3603 were similar, but the plug caps were less well developed. The Batrachospermum phase generated from 3603 had pit plugs that were variable in diameter, according to location in the thallus, thus reflecting the more variable cell size in this phase. Dome-like outer caps, considered typical of Batrachospermum , were present between cells of the determinate lateral filaments. The pit plugs of Chantransia sp. had prominent, dome-like outer caps, but the plug cores were strikingly and consistently smaller in diameter than those of the A. macrospora chantransia cultures, suggesting that plug diameter may be of systematic value in some contexts.     

MORPHOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT OF AHNFELTIA PLICATA (RHODOPHYTA): PROPOSAL OF AHNFELTIALES ORD. NOV.1

Ahnfeltia plicata (Hudson) Fries, the type species of Ahnfeltia Fries, is currently assigned to the Phyllophoraceae (Gigartinales). Several morphological and biochemical characters distance A. plicata from the Phyllophoraceae but, because sexual reproduction has never been demonstrated, an alternative placement has not been possible. A. plicata now is shown to have a heteromorphic sexual life history. Erect branched gametophytes are dioecious. In male sori, spermatangia are cut off transversely from spermatangial mother cells. Female sori form numerous terminal sessile carpogonia. Following fertilization, several zygotes in each sorus fuse facultatively with undifferentiated intercalary cells of the female sorus and cut off gonimoblast initials obliquely outwards. These initials give rise to branching gonimoblast filaments that fuse with apical and intercalary female sorus cells and with each other, then grow radially outward in the compound external carposporophyte and terminate in carposporangia. Carpospores develop in culture into crustose tetrasporophytes identical to Porphyrodiscus simulans Batters. Field-collected P. simulans tetraspores grew into erect A. plicata axes. Tetrasporangia are formed by division and enlargement of crust apical cells followed by sequential enlargement and maturation of tetrasporocytes in an erosive process. Monosporangia are formed in sori on male gametophytes. Pit plugs of both gametophyte and tetrasporophyte phases consist of naked plug cores without cap layers of membranes. Gametophytes exhibit both cell fusions and secondary pit connections whereas tetrasporophytes form cell fusions but lack secondary pit connections. On the basis of the unique female and postfertilization reproductive development and in conjunction with the pit plug structure which is unique among florideophytes, the order Ahnfeltiales, containing the family Ahnfeltiaceae, is proposed.     

Hyphal fusion during initial stages of trap formation in Arthrobotrys oligospora

Hyphal fusion during initial stages of trap formation by Arthrobotrys oligospora was studied by video-enhanced contrast and electron microscopy. Trap initials grew perpendicularly to the parent hypha, then curved around and anastomosed with a peg that developed on the hypha. Trap initials usually developed 40–140 m apart while the anastomosis occurred 20–25 m from the initial. Vigorous cytoplasmic movements in trap initials and developed traps corresponded to intense staining with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) of these cells. In addition, bundles of microfilaments were seen in developing loops of traps. On fusion organelle migration took place from the tip cell of the trap into the peg. Later on a septum was formed at the site of fusion.     

中国串珠藻属(红藻门)的两个新种

本文纪录了淡水红藻串珠藻属Batrachospermum的二个新种。它们采自中国的亚热地区,按其形态特征,它们属于旋转组Section Contorta。采自湖北省的弯形中珠藻B.curvatum与扭曲串珠藻B.tortuosum Kumano相似,但按其轮节、顶毛和受精丝等的形态与后者相区别。采自江西省的弯转串珠藻B.torsivum与赫罗西串珠藻B.hirosei Ratnasabapathy et Kumano相似,但轮节、中轴细胞、节丝和节间丝、果胞枝和受精丝等的大小和形态与后者相区别。     

Two New Species of the Genus Batrachospermum (Rhodophyta) in China

This paper describes two new species of freshwater red algae, Batrachospermum Roth. They belong to the section Contorta on the basis of their morphological characters. B. curvatum, collected from Hubei Province, is similar to B. tortuosum Kumano, but differs from the latter in shape of whorls, terminal hairs and trichogyne. B. torsivum, collected from Jiangxi Province, resembles B. hirosei Ratnasabapathy et Kumano, but differs from the latter in shape and size of whorls, axial cells, cells of the nodal and internodal filaments, carpogonial branches and trichogyne.     

MORPHOLOGY AND SYSTEMATICS OF SCIUROTHAMNION STEGENGAE GEN. ET SP. NOV. (CERAMIACEAE,RHODOPHYTA) FROM THE INDO‐PACIFIC1

A new ceramiaceous alga, Sciurothamnion stegengae De Clerck et Kraft, gen. et sp. nov., is described from the western Indian Ocean and the Philippines. Sciurothamnion appears related to the tribe Callithamnieae on the basis of the position and composition of its procarps and by the majority of post‐fertilization events. It differs, however, from all current members of the tribe by the presence of two periaxial cells bearing determinate laterals per axial cell. Additionally, unlike any present representative of the subfamily Callithamnioideae, no intercalary foot cell is formed after diploidization of the paired auxiliary cells. The genus is characterized by a terminal foot cell (“disposal cell”), which segregates the haploid nuclei of the diploidized auxiliary cell from the diploid zygote nucleus. The nature of three types of foot cells reported in the Ceramiaceae (intercalary foot cells containing only haploid nuclei, intercalary foot cells containing haploid nuclei and a diploid nucleus, and terminal foot cells containing only haploid nuclei) is discussed.     

Cell division patterns of the protoderm and root cap in the “closed” root apical meristem ofArabidopsis thaliana

Summary The peripheral root cap and protoderm inArabidopsis thaliana are organized into modular packets of cells derived from formative T-divisions of the root cap/protoderm (RCP) initials and subsequent proliferative divisions of their daughter cells. Each module consists of protoderm and peripheral root cap packets derived from the same periclinal T-division event of an RCP initial. Anatomical analyses are used to interpret the history of extensively coordinated cell divisions producing this modular construction. Within a given layer of root cap, the columella and RCP initials divided in a centrifugal sequence from the innermost columella initials toward the RCP initials. All RCP initials in the lineages around the circumference of the root divided nearly simultaneously in waves to form one module prior to the next wave of initial divisions forming a younger module. The peripheral root cap and protoderm packets within each module completed four rounds of proliferative divisions in the axial plane to produce, on average, 16 cells per packet in the basalmost modules in axial view. Peripheral root cap and protoderm cells predominantly in the T-type (trichoblast) lineages also underwent radial divisions as they were displaced basipetally. The regularity in the cellular pattern within the modules suggests a timing mechanism controlling highly coordinated cell division in the initials and their daughter cells.Abbreviations RAM root apical meristem - RCP root cap protoderm - prc peripheral root cap     

The ultrastructure of cellular division (autosporogenesis) in the coccoid green alga,Trebouxia aggregata,revealed by rapid freeze fixation and freeze substitution

Summary Adequate ultrastructural preservation of cells of the green algaTrebouxia aggregata is achieved by immersion freeze fixation using liquid propane followed by freeze substitution and resin embedding at ambient temperature. Despite differential staining of membranes, using this method we have been able to study plasma membrane biogenesis during cellular division. Daughter protoplasts are separated by an ingrowing septum of plasma membrane that extends into the cell from a particular site at the peripheral plasma membrane marked by centrioles. Septum development involves tip growth followed by lateral growth. This growth seems to involve transfer of membrane from an adjacent partially coated reticulum to the septum plasma membrane. The reticulum which extends from nearby Golgi stacks to the area of septum growth is associated with an extensive array of microtubules. After daughter protoplasts are completely separated, each one becomes surrounded by a cell wall which is distinct from the persisting mother wall. The ultrastructural evidence suggests that cells ofT. aggregata are autospores rather than vegetative cells.Abbreviations C centriole - ER endoplasmic reticulum - G Golgi body - MTOC microtubule organizing center - Mt(s) microtubule(s) - N nucleus - P primary septum - PCR partially coated reticulum - PM plasma membrane - Py pyrenoid - S septum     

ACROSYMPHYTON FIRMUM SP. NOV. (RHODOPHYTA,CRYPTONEMIALES), A NEW SUBTIDAL RED ALGA FROM NEW ZEALAND; DEVELOPMENTAL MORPHOLOGY AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE GAMETOPHYTE1

Acrosymphyton firmum sp. nov., is described from the northeastern coast of North 1., New Zealand. Gametophytes are spring–summer annuals which grow subtidally on cobbles. Thalli are uniaxial; each axial cell bears a whorl of four indeterminate and one determinate branchlets. Indeterminate branchlets are alternately arranged giving the thallus a distichous and feather-like appearance. Numerous corticating rhizoidal filaments are produced from the periaxial and lower whorl branchlet cells. These rhizoids entwine and obscure the main axis as the thallus develops until in the mature plant the axes have a firm consistency and lubricous texture. The carpogonial branch bearing short lateral filaments and auxiliary cell branch with terminal auxiliary cell place this new species in the genus Acrosymphyton Sjöstedt. Of the three described species in the genus, A. firmum is most similar to A. taylori. This is the first report of the genus Acrosymphyton and the only confirmed report of the family Dumontiaceae in New Zealand waters.