Studies on the ecology and host specificity of Balbiania investiens (Rhodophyceae)

Finds of the rare epiphytic rhodophyte Balbiania investiens (Acrochaetiales) from River Österdalälven in Dalecarlia, Sweden, are described. Its distribution, history and taxonomy are presented and discussed. Information on its host, represented by certain species of the genus Batrachospermum (Nemalionales), is given with particular reference to ecology and distribution in Sweden. The algal composition and water chemistry of one new Swedish location are presented and categorized according to Israelson's classification of Scandinavian running waters.