Chara zeylanica J.G.Klein ex Willd. (Charophyceae, Charales, Characeae): First European Record from the Island of Sardinia, Italy.

Ralf Becker,Hendrik Schubert,Petra Nowak

doi:10.3390/plants10102069

Abstract

The first record of a species belonging to the genus Chara L. subgenus Chara R.D.Wood section Grovesia R.D.Wood subsect. Willdenowia R.D.Wood from Europe is presented here, thus challenging the interpretation of its distribution pattern as an intertropical group of charophytes. The morphological characters of the specimens, as well as the results of a phylogenetic analysis, clearly identified them as Chara zeylanica J.G.Klein ex Willd. Although the subsection Willdenowia has yet to receive a thorough taxonomic treatment, a discussion of its relationship to other taxa of this subsection is provided despite the lack of a commonly agreed upon taxonomic concept. The ecological conditions of the Sardinian site of C. zeylanica are presented. Moreover, the status of and threats to this taxon, and hypotheses regarding potential pathways through which it reached Europe, are discussed.

Highlights

Charophytes are morphologically complex macrophytic green algae with a worldwide distribution
As charophytes occur in an astonishingly wide variety of habitats, ranging from ultraoligotrophic freshwater to hypersaline and hypertrophic environments, their presence is often measured in water quality assessments and other related fields [10,11]
R.D.Wood) in Europe is dealt with here, as we provide the first record of the presence of Chara zeylanica J.G.Klein ex Willd. in Europe from the Mediterranean island of Sardinia (Italy)

Summary

Introduction

Charophytes are morphologically complex macrophytic green algae with a worldwide distribution. Because they are close relatives of the earliest land plants [1], they have attracted growing scientific interest in recent decades. For the development of such bioindication systems, having comprehensive and reliable knowledge about the habitat preferences and distribution patterns of the individual species is essential, as is the accurate identification of charophyte species, and the formulation of a sound taxonomic concept. Whereas in the past site-specific information about the occurrence of the individual species was provided [20], recent treatments have led to the development of large-scale distribution grid maps and detailed descriptions of the species’ preferred habitat conditions [21]

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Conclusion