Avrainvillea rotumensis sp. nov. (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta), a peltate species from the South Pacific |
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| Authors: | Antoine D R N'Yeurt Diane S Littler Mark M Littler |
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| Institution: | Marine Studies Programme, The University of the South Pacific, PO Box 1168, Suva, Fiji;Department of Botany, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA |
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| Abstract: | A new species of Avrainvillea was found on the South Pacific island of Rotuma, Fiji. Avrainvillea rotumensis sp. nov. occurs 1.5-3.0 m deep in a high energy current area of the Hoféa Passage, one of the few openings in the fringing reef that surrounds the island. The distinctive peltate growth habit of A. rotumensis is unique for the genus and facilitates quick and accurate field identification. The peltate blade (7–9 cm in diameter at maturity) is unusually thick (34 mm) tapering toward a short (up to 6 cm in length), thick (1.5-2.0 cm in diameter) stipe. |
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| Keywords: | Avrainvillea Bryopsidales Chlorophyta South Pacific Udoteaceae |
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