Lithophyllum cuneatum sp. nov. (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta), a new species of non‐geniculate coralline alga semi‐endophytic in Hydrolithon onkodes and Neogoniolithon sp. from Fiji, South Pacific

Abstract

SUMMARYA new species of semi‐endophytic coralline alga, Lithophyllum cuneatum (Corallinaceae: Lithophylloideae), is described from Fiji. The species is characterized by a wedge‐like thallus that is partially buried in the thallus of the host coralline, Hydrolithon onkodes (Heydrich) Penrose et Woelkerling or occasionally Neogoniolithon sp., and that appears at the surface of the host as a small pustule that is usually paler in color than the host. The thallus consists of erect filaments that are derived from a single cell. The basal cell, when visible, is non‐palisade, and areas of bistratose margin are absent. Cells of contiguous erect filaments are joined by secondary pit connections. Epithallial cells are present in 2–3 layers, and individual trichocytes are common. Gametangial plants are dioecious. Male conceptacles have simple spermatangial systems that are confined to the floors of their elliptical chambers. Carposporangial conceptacles contain 5–8 celled gonimoblast filaments that are borne at the margin of a more‐or‐less discoid fusion cell, and so occupy the periphery of the elliptical conceptacle chambers. Tetrasporangial conceptacles are uniporate, with roofs formed from peripheral filaments, and chambers lack a central columella of sterile filaments. Despite its semi‐endophytic nature, haustorial cells are absent, and plastids and pigmentation are present.