Stucture and reproduction of Cordylecladia guiryi sp. nov. (Rhodophyta,Rhodymeniales) from the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

Cordylecladia guiryi sp. nov. is described from the Mediterranean Sea, after a comparison of habit, morphology and reproduction with C. erecta, the only species of the genus. The species is characterized by the small dimension of its axes which arise single from the basal crust and by its habitat, growing epiphytically on Posidonia oceanica Delile leaves. Tetrasporangial and gametangial plants as well as the development of the carposporophyte have been studied in detail. The carpogonial branch is 4-celled and it is formed on a supporting cell that also bears a 3-celled auxiliary branch. Tetrasporangia are cruciately divided. The reproductive details confirm Sparling's view about the great variation existing in the organization of the procarp in members of this order.