<i>Anthophysa vegetans</i> (O.F. Müller) Stein (Chrysophyceae), a new record from South Africa

Abstract

Background: Although the colonial flagellate alga Anthophysa vegetans is well known in Europe, it has only been recorded from Africa (Nigeria) once. It was recently found in the Mooi River, South Africa – making this a first record of the presence of A. vegetans in southern Africa. Objectives: The objective of this study is to record a new geographic locality for A. vegetans for South Africa. Method: Light microscopy was used to compare morphological features of the species found in South Africa with illustrations and literature on A. vegetans found in Europe and other countries of the world. An extensive literature survey was done to determine the species’ current geographic distribution. Results: A. vegetans is widely distributed across all continents, except Africa and Antarctica. During this study, it was described from a new location in the Mooi River near Potchefstroom in the North West province, South Africa, making this a first record of its presence in southern Africa. Conclusion: The known geographic distribution of A. vegetans was expanded to include southern Africa and, to be more specific, South Africa.