Red Algal Genus Research Articles

Molecular and morphological evidence for Sheathia gen. nov. (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) and three new species.

The freshwater red algal genus Batrachospermum has been shown to be paraphyletic since the first molecular studies of the Batrachospermales. Previous research, along with this study, provides strong support for the clade Batrachospermum section Helminthoidea. This study has found that heterocortication, the presence of both cylindrical and bulbous cells on the main axis, is an underlying synapomorphy of this clade. Based on support from DNA sequences of the rbcL gene, the COI barcode region and the rDNA ITS 1 and 2, along with morphological studies, the new genus Sheathia is proposed. Seven heterocorticate species were recognized from the molecular clades. Sheathia boryana and S.exigua sp. nov. appear to be restricted to Europe, whereas S.confusa occurs in Europe and New Zealand. Sheathia involuta is widespread in the USA and reported for the first time from Europe. Sheathia americana sp. nov., has been collected in the USA and Canada, and S.heterocortica and S.grandis sp. nov. have been collected only in the USA. Sheathia confusa and S.grandis can be distinguished based on morphological characters, whereas DNA sequence data are required to conclusively distinguish the other species. Sheathia fluitans and S.carpoinvolucra also are placed within this genus based on the presence of heterocortication. These data also hint at greater diversity among non-heterocorticate Sheathia than is recognized by the single species name S.arcuata.

A study of two Acrochaetium complexes in Canada with distinction of Rhododrewia gen. nov. (Acrochaetiales, Rhodophyta)

:Species of the red algal genus Acrochaetium are present in the global marine flora, but at best only preliminary assessments of species diversity and phylogeny have been attempted for the genus. During an ongoing floristic survey of Canadian seaweeds, we routinely encountered species assigned to this genus epibiotic on other organisms, which provided the material and motivation for the current study. Seven Atlantic, three Pacific and a single subarctic species were identified in analysis of COI-5P (cytochrome oxidase subunit I) sequences with typical levels of intraspecific (0–0.3%) and interspecific (7.9–19.3%) variation observed except between western and eastern Atlantic populations of A. humile (0.9%). Within a historical Atlantic species ‘complex’, we established that A. virgatulum is synonymous with A. secundatum; however, A. luxurians was an independent lineage and is resurrected. A Pacific isolate of A. secundatum was collected and represents an extension of the reported range for this species. In a second complex, Pacific A. arcuatum and A. vagum were synonymous, as suggested in the literature previously, but A. porphyrae was genetically and anatomically distinct. Further, A. porphyrae did not group with Acrochaetium in nuclear-encoded LSU rRNA and combined LSU / COI-5P analyses, and Rhododrewia gen. nov. is proposed for R. porphyrae (Drew) comb. nov.

A DNA barcode survey of the red algal genus Mazzaella in British Columbia reveals overlooked diversity and new distributional records: descriptions of M. dewreedei sp. nov. and M. macrocarpa sp. nov.

Species of the red algal genus Mazzaella are widely distributed along the west coast of North America with 11 reported in British Columbia (BC). Like many red algal genera, however, accurate species identification is complicated by phenotypic plasticity and convergent evolution, and considerable taxonomic changes have taken place in recent years. To better understand the diversity of this genus in the BC flora, we variously compared COI-5P, rbcL, and ITS data for 407 collections predominantly from BC (n = 347) and California (n = 59) with other accessions in GenBank. We report the first records of Mazzaella phyllocarpa (Postels & Ruprecht) Perestenko in the BC flora whereas Mazzaella linearis (Setchell & N.L. Gardner) Fredericq is excluded — individuals previously assigned to this name referred to Mazzaella dewreedei sp. nov. Verified records and the distributional range for the poorly documented Mazzaella minima (G.J. Hollenberg) P.W. Gabrielson are greatly extended whereas northern records of Mazzaella rosea (Kylin) Fredericq are established. The presence of Mazzaella flaccida (Setchell & N.L. Gardner) Fredericq and Mazzaella japonica (Mikami) Hommersand (likely introduced) in BC are confirmed whereas resolution of the Mazzaella oregona (Doty) J.R. Hughey, P.C. Silva & Hommersand species complex necessitates description of Mazzaella macrocarpa sp. nov. Two additional cryptic complexes involving M. flaccida and M. oregona were discovered in the Californian flora, but are outside the scope of this study and are in need of further investigation.

Phylogenetic relationships of Dichotomaria (Nemaliales, Rhodophyta) with the proposal of Dichotomaria intermedia (R.C.Y. Chou) comb. nov.

Abstract Species delineation in the calcified red algal genus Dichotomaria is difficult due to the high degree of morphological similarity observed in these algae; thus, species descriptions are based on a limited set of morphological characters. In this study, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of plastid rbcL and mitochondrial cox1 sequences and detailed morphological observations on 28 specimens of Dichotomaria from the Indo-Pacific, Bermuda, the Galápagos Islands, and the Lesser Antilles. As a consequence, we propose the new combination Dichotomaria intermedia (R.C.Y. Chou) comb. nov. based on Galaxaura intermedia. This species has flattened branches, three to four cortical cell layers, four sterile branches issuing from the hypogynous cell, and a pericarp formed from the basal cell, as in the genus Dichotomaria. In the rbcL tree, D. intermedia formed a group with Dichotomaria tenera from South Africa. Our results confirmed the occurrence of 11 species and one variety: Dichotomaria apiculata, Dichotomaria australis, Dichotomaria diesingiana, Dichotomaria falcata, Dichotomaria hommersandii, Dichotomaria intermedia, Dichotomaria marginata, Dichotomaria obtusata, D. obtusata var. major, Dichotomaria papillata, Dichotomaria spathulata, and D. tenera. Further study is required to address unidentified genetic groups that cannot currently be assigned to known species groups.

Phytochemical and Biological Properties of Sesquiterpene Constituents From the Marine Red Seaweed Laurencia: A Review

Laurencia is an important marine red algal genus comprising of approximately 130 taxonomically accepted species. Compounds isolated from Laurencia species display a variety of biological activities, viz., antiviral, antibacterial, antifouling, antifungal, antioxidant, antifeedant, antimalarial, anthelmintic, antiasthmatic and cytotoxic activities. Sesquiterpenoids with, various classes and skeletons, are the main constituents of this genus. This review article has surveyed the relevant literature on Laurencia genus from January 2000 to May 2014 from the phytochemical and pharmacological viewpoints. All sesquiterpene compounds reported from this genus, during the mentioned period, are categorized according to their chemical class and general structural type. More than 200 sesquiterpenes isolated from Laurencia red algae are discussed in term of their structural type, occurrence and reported pharmacological activity.

Two new species of the genus Neoabbottiella (Rhodophyta, Halymeniales) from the Russian Far Eastern seas

The results of taxonomic revision of the red algal genus Neoabbottiella from the Russian Far Eastern seas are presented and the differences of Neoabbottiella from the other blade-like red algae are discussed. Descriptions of three species are given, including N. araneosa (type species) and two newly described species, N. valentinae sp. nov. and N. decipiens sp. nov. The newly described species differ from N. araneosa in morphogenesis, structure, and localization of gonimoblasts on the blade, as well as some features of vegetative anatomy. A key to the species of Neoabbottiella, illustrations of their external and internal structures and some data on their distribution and ecology are given.

The genus Melanthalia (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta): new insights from New Caledonia and New Zealand

Nelson W.A., Payri C.E., Sutherland J.E. and Dalen J. 2013. The genus Melanthalia (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta): new insights from New Caledonia and New Zealand. Phycologia 52: 426–436. DOI: 10.2216/13–137.1The Southern Hemisphere red algal genus Melanthalia (Gracilariales) was investigated as part of a study comparing shared elements in the floras of northern New Zealand and southern New Caledonia. Molecular sequence data were obtained from specimens that were collected from throughout New Caledonia and New Zealand and that encompassed the range of morphological variation. Before this study two species were recognised from New Caledonia and a single species from New Zealand. Our results supported the recognition of a single well-delimited monophyletic species that exhibited extreme phenotypic plasticity in New Caledonia, whereas in samples from New Zealand three lineages were identified, with two monophyletic and a third lineage, currently known from a single specimen. Between the New Zealand lineages there was only modest morphological variation but there was genetic differentiation between northern and southern populations. A single species, M. abscissa, was recognised in New Zealand pending further research to clarify species boundaries and enable description of new taxa. On the basis of sequence data, Melanthalia in New Zealand was distinct from Australian species, with a closer relationship shown between New Zealand and New Caledonia than between either of these and Australia. The two New Caledonian species were synonymised, with M. vieillardii having priority.

Conspecificity of two morphologically distinct calcified red algae from the northwest Pacific Ocean: Galaxaura pacifica and G. filamentosa (Galaxauraceae, Rhodophyta).

BackgroundMembers of the calcified red algal genus, Galaxaura, are distributed predominantly in warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions worldwide. The capacity of these algae to form calcified thalli could play a critical role in the carbon cycle of these ecosystems. Previous studies have suggested that the reported species diversity of Galaxaura may be exaggerated due to a lack of knowledge regarding external morphological differences between gametophytic and tetrasporophytic plants (or among different life stages) of a single species.ResultsTo examine this issue, this study collected specimens of two morphologically distinct Galaxaura from Taiwan and the Philippines. These specimens were initially identified as two species (G. pacifica Tanaka and G. filamentosa Chou ex Taylor) based on their morphological features. Our molecular analyses, however, unexpectedly showed that these two specimens shared 100% identical rbc L sequences, indicating that they represented a single species comprising two distinct external morphologies. Furthermore, our extensive observations and molecular analyses on several specimens from different locations in southern Taiwan has revealed that these morphological differences could be due to seasonal variation.ConclusionsThis study proposes that G. “filamentosa” from the Philippines could represent the remnants of the lower villous part of older gametophytic plants of G. pacifica after senescence of the upper smooth part of the thallus. As such we propose that these two previously distinct algal species from the northwest Pacific Ocean as a single species, G. pacifica. This study shows that the biodiversity of the calcified red algae Galaxaura could be overestimated without the assistance of molecular tools. Additionally, this study provides insights into the biodiversity and unique biology of the calcified red algae Galaxaura.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1999-3110-54-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Molecular diversity of the calcified red algal genus Tricleocarpa (Galaxauraceae, Nemaliales) with the description of T. jejuensis and T. natalensis

Wiriyadamrikul J., Geraldino P.J.L., Huisman J.M., Lewmanomont K. and Boo S.M. 2013. Molecular diversity of the calcified red algal genus Tricleocarpa (Galaxauraceae, Nemaliales) with the description of T. jejuensis and T. natalensis. Phycologia 52: 338–551. DOI: 10.2216/13-155.1Tricleocarpa (Nemaliales) is a calcified, dichotomously branched red algal genus currently with two recognized species, T. cylindrica and T. fragilis, both widely distributed in warm temperate and tropical seas. We evaluated the relationships of Tricleocarpa using molecular markers, including 35 rbcL and 32 cox1 sequences, from specimens in the western Pacific, the Hawaiian Islands and South Africa. Our results demonstrated the presence of seven genetically distinct groups. The range of T. cylindrica was confirmed to include the West Indies, the Hawaiian Islands, and Asian waters, and specimens referable to T. fragilis were found in Asia. On the basis of our molecular analyses and detailed morphological examinations, we were able to discriminate two taxa that we here describe as new species: T. jejuensis sp. nov. and T. natalensis sp. nov. Tricleocarpa jejuensis, known from Korea, Japan, South Africa, and Taiwan, was distinguished by the presence of three to four cortical cell layers with elongated to compressed subsurface and innermost cells, monoecious sexuality, spherical cystocarps, and paraphyses intermixed with gonimoblast filaments. Tricleocarpa natalensis from Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa was characterized by three layers of elongate cortical cells, monoecious sexuality, hemispherical cystocarps, and paraphyses rarely intermixed with gonimoblast filaments. Our phylogenetic analyses indicated that three further clades were recognized at species level, but these were based on a few specimens and were not morphologically distinct; further sampling is needed in regions outside Asian waters before additional taxonomic revisions can be proposed.

Australian Laurencia majuscula (Rhodophyta, Rhodomelaceae) and the Brazilian Laurencia dendroidea are conspecific

SummaryMorphological and molecular studies have been undertaken on two species of the red algal genus Laurencia J.V.Lamouroux: Laurencia majuscula (Harvey) A.H.S. Lucas and Laurencia dendroidea J.Agardh, both from their type localities. The phylogenetic position of these species was inferred by analysis of the chloroplast‐encoded rbcL gene sequences from 24 taxa. In all phylogenetic analyses, the Australian Laurencia majuscula and the Brazilian L. dendroidea formed a well‐supported monophyletic clade within the Laurencia sensu stricto. This clade was divided into two subclades corresponding to each geographical region; however, the genetic divergence between Australian L. majuscula and Brazilian L. dendroidea was only 0–1.35%. Examination of the type specimens and sequences of freshly collected samples of both Laurencia majuscula and L. dendroidea show the two to be conspecific despite their disjunct type localities.

Molecular diversity and morphology of the genus Actinotrichia (Galaxauraceae, Rhodophyta) from the western Pacific, with a new record of A. robusta in the Andaman Sea

Actinotrichia is a calcified galaxauracean red algal genus with temperate and tropical distributions in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Morphological characteristics, along with rbcL and cox1 sequences, were analyzed from specimens collected in the western Pacific and the Indian Oceans. Both rbcL and cox1 data confirmed the occurrence of A. fragilis, A. robusta, and Actinotrichia sp. in this region. The presence of A. fragilis was verified in tropical Indo-Pacific and temperate northeast Asian waters and was characterized by high genetic diversity. Although A. robusta commonly occurs in the East China Sea, we confirmed its presence on rocks and crustose algae in the subtidal zone of three islands in the Andaman Sea. Actinotrichia sp. was similar to A. calcea in morphology and distribution, but with sufficiently different sequences, thus, additional sampling over the range will enable a more realistic evaluation of its taxonomic status.

Molecular markers from three organellar genomes unravel complex taxonomic relationships within the coralline algal genus Chiharaea (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)

The use of molecular markers in taxonomic studies has become a standard practice in biology. However, consensus on which markers to use at the species level is lacking because evolutionary lineages show differences in divergence rates between organellar genomes. Ideally, researchers use multiple lines of evidence when first describing a species, such as the incorporation of several molecular markers from varied genomes (mitochondrion, plastid and nucleus). This study examined species boundaries in the red algal genus Chiharaea. We used five molecular markers, with at least one marker from each genome, coupled with thorough morphological analyses. We recognized three species in Chiharaea (C.americana, C. rhododactyla sp. nov., C. silvae) and two forms (C. americana f. americana and C. americana f. bodegensis (H.W. Johansen) stat. nov.). For C. americana f. americana and C. americana f. bodegensis differentiation based on morphological data was reflected in the plastid-encoded large subunit of RuBisCO (rbcL), but was not concordant with either the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI-5P) or nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data. We suggest that this discordance is indicative of ongoing hybridization and introgression between populations of C. americana f. americana and C. americana f. bodegensis. In addition, we used a PCR assay with ITS specific primers to amplify multiple ITS variants for collections assignable to C. americana indicating that there is genetic variability within ITS copies most likely due to introgression, crossing over and/or the retention of ancestral variants.

Gloiotrichus vermiculatussp. nov. (Liagoraceae, Rhodophyta), a new species from the Caribbean Sea

Gloiotrichus (Liagoraceae; Nemaliales), a red algal genus originally described from Western Australia and later found in Hawaii, is reported for the first time in the western Atlantic Ocean, from the Caribbean Sea. A new species, G. vermiculatus, is described based on specimens collected fromsubtidal waters near Carrie Bow Cay, Belize and off St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Features of the new species are compared with G. fractalis Huisman et Kraft (1994), the generitype, and only other species presently in the genus. Gloiotrichus vermiculatus differs reproductively; in having fewer cells in its carpogonial branch, (3-) 4 (-5) cells versus 5–8 cells for G. fractalis; and dioecious gametophytes while those of G. fractalis are monoecious. The timing of sterile lateral filament initiation from carpogonial branch cells varies between the two species, with G. fractalis generally initiating them before the first transverse division of the zygote, while those of G. vermiculatus are typically initiated concurrently or after the first division. The basal cell or other proximal cells of the sterile lateral filaments occasionally issue rhizoid-like filaments that can develop to a higher degree in G. vermiculatus, where they may loosely drape or encircle carpogonial branch cells. The new species differs vegetatively from G. fractalis in its longer (290–500 mm) and more complex primary cortical fascicles, which are trichotomously to polychotomously branched, not only at the basal division but at several inner divisions, thereafter the cortical filaments are subdichotomously branched outward, while those of G. fractalis are described as subdichotomously branched throughout.

Resolving species diversity in the red algal genus Callophyllis (Kallymeniaceae, Gigartinales) in Canada using molecular assisted alpha taxonomy

The COI-5P DNA barcode (the 5′ region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene) has proven an effective tool for quickly screening large numbers of biological specimens and assigning them to genetic species groups for subsequent examination in an approach known as molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy (MAAT). In the present study, we applied MAAT to Canadian species of the red algal genus Callophyllis in order to resolve confusion surrounding this taxonomically perplexing group. A total of 563 Callophyllis specimens were examined (either molecularly, morphologically or both) – 504 from British Columbia along the Pacific coast of Canada and 59 from the U.S.A., Australia and Chile. In total, 16 genetic species groups were resolved including 12 in Canada although only nine species are reported in the flora. Here we report range extensions of C. beringensis and C. radula from the NW Pacific, C. dissecta from California, U.S.A. and the Chilean species C. variegata (the type species) into the Canadian flora. Our results also uncovered cryptic diversity in the genus necessitating the description of C. schneideri Clarkston & G.W. Saunders sp. nov. Subsequent analyses of a subset of specimens using the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal cistron (ITS) resolved the same groups as COI-5P while the universal plastid amplicon (UPA, domain V of theplastid 23S rRNA gene) had poor resolution at the species level and in one case underestimated species diversity. Finally, large-subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), nuclear elongation factor 2 (EF2), COI-5P and a combined LSU, EF2 and COI-5P alignment were subjected to phylogenetic analyses in order to investigate relationships among Canadian species of Callophyllis. A significant outcome was the resolution of two well-supported lineages for the monocarpogonial versus polycarpogonial species of this genus, as had been posited in the literature.

Branched Halymenia species (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) in the Indo-Pacific region, including descriptions of Halymenia hawaiiana sp. nov. and H. tondoana sp. nov.

Several species in the red algal genus Halymenia from the Indo-Pacific have been described with branched thalli, toothed margins, spinose proliferations on the blade, and a firm gelatinous texture. Previous works have synonymized many of these morphologically similar species with H. durvillei. Our increased taxon sampling and molecular data indicate that the taxonomy of the Indo-Pacific Halymenia species is in need of revision, and that several aspects of taxonomies proposed by previous authors now seem unlikely. Thus, the aim of the present work was to analyse species delimitation in branched Halymenia species. Molecular and morphological data for specimens from the coral triangle and peripheral Indo-Pacific localities (East African coast, Hawaii) were used to understand species delimitation for selected branched Halymenia spp. Phylogenetic analyses based on 29 rbcL gene sequences grouped the specimens in four well-supported clusters at the species level with high p-distances (2.7–5.3%). After the morphological analysis, five features were retained as diagnostic to identify the four species studied. Our analyses led to the recognition and description of two new species, H. hawaiiana from the Hawaiian Islands (previously erroneously called H. formosa) and H. tondoana from the Philippines. In addition, H. harveyana (currently treated as a subspecies of H. floresii in Australia) is reassessed and recognized at the species level. Specimens with seven orders of branching and a thick cortex (70–150 µm) formed a monophyletic group, including sequences from previous work, with mostly well-supported branches and with high p-distances at the species level. We propose to call this group the H. durvillei complex until further reassessment is completed. None of the sequences studied here grouped with H. floresii from the Mediterranean, suggesting that previous Indo-Pacific reports of the species were erroneous.

Four novel Gelidium species (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) discovered in Korea: G. coreanum, G. jejuensis, G. minimum and G. prostratum

Kim K.M., Hwang I.K., Yoon H.S. and Boo S.M. 2012. Four novel Gelidium species (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) isolated from Korea: G. coreanum, G. jejuensis, G. minimum and G. prostratum. Phycologia 51: 461–474. DOI: 10.2216/11-117.1Gelidium is an economically and ecologically important red algal genus that comprises 123 species. It is distributed globally in temperate and tropical waters, and many of the species have been reported from northeast Asia. Here we describe four novel Gelidium species from Korea: G. coreanum sp. nov. from the eastern and southern coasts, G. jejuensis sp. nov. and G. minimum sp. nov. from Jeju Island, and G. prostratum sp. nov. from the western coast. The species were identified by molecular phylogenies of plastid rbcL and mitochondrial cox1, which were combined with distinct morphological features. Three of these new species (G. coreanum, G. jejuensis and G. prostratum) formed a monophyletic clade with G. eucorneum, G. vagum, G. chilense and G. japonicum, while G. minimum showed a sister group relationship with G. pristoides, G. foliaceum, G. microdontium and G. vittatum.

Relative rates of evolution among the three genetic compartments of the red alga Porphyra differ from those of green plants and do not correlate with genome architecture

In photosynthetic eukaryotes, relative silent-site nucleotide substitution rates (which can be used to approximate relative mutation rates) among mitochondrial, plastid, and nuclear genomes (mtDNAs, ptDNAs, and nucDNAs) are estimated to be 1:3:10 respectively for seed plants and roughly equal for green algae. These estimates correlate with certain genome characteristics, such as size and coding density, and have therefore been taken to support a relationship between mutation rate and genome architecture. Plants and green algae, however, represent a small fraction of the major eukaryotic plastid-bearing lineages. Here, we investigate relative rates of mutation within the model red algal genus Porphyra. In contrast to plants, we find that the levels of silent-site divergence between the Porphyra purpurea and Porphyra umbilicalis mtDNAs are three times that of their ptDNAs and five times that of their nucDNAs. Moreover, relative mutation rates do not correlate with genome architecture: despite an estimated three-fold difference in their mutation rate, the mitochondrial and plastid genome coding densities are equivalent – an observation that extends to organisms with secondary red algal plastids. These findings are supported by within-species silent-site polymorphism data from P. purpurea.

DNA barcoding of Canadian Ahnfeltiales (Rhodophyta) reveals a new species – Ahnfeltia borealis sp. nov.

Milstein D. and Saunders G.W. 2012. DNA barcoding of Canadian Ahnfeltiales (Rhodophyta) reveals a new species – Ahnfeltia borealis sp. nov. Phycologia 51: 247–259. DOI: 10.2216/11-40.1The red algal genus Ahnfeltia has only two described species in Canada, Ahnfeltia fastigiata and Ahnfeltia plicata, occurring along the North Pacific and North Atlantic coasts, respectively. However, during an ongoing molecular-based floristic survey of Canadian marine algae using the mitochondrial 5′ end of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene as a screening tool, cryptic diversity was uncovered, indicating the presence of four genetic lineages. These genetic clusters were further characterized using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers and the variable domain V of the plastid large subunit (23S) ribosomal gene (universal plastid amplicon), as well as morphological and anatomical observations. Our data indicate the presence of a third species of Ahnfeltia, A. borealis sp. nov., which is typically subarctic in its distribution and intermediate in many key anatomical features between A. fastigiata and A. plicata.

An examination of the red algal genus Pugetia (Kallymeniaceae, Gigartinales), with descriptions of Salishia firma gen. & comb. nov., Pugetia cryptica sp. nov. and Beringia wynnei sp. nov.

Clarkston B.E. and Saunders G.W. 2012. An examination of the red algal genus Pugetia (Kallymeniaceae, Gigartinales), with descriptions of Salishia firma gen. & comb. nov., Pugetia cryptica sp. nov. and Beringia wynnei sp. nov. Phycologia 51: 33–61. DOI: 10.2216/11-01.1The red algal family Kallymeniaceae was surveyed along the west coast of Canada using the DNA barcode (COI-5P – 5′ region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene) as a species identification tool. A total of 253 specimens field identified as Pugetia spp. subsequently resolved as five genetic species groups, although only two are reported in the flora. Additionally, COI-5P data were available for the Chilean P. chilensis, which resolved as a distinct species. Subsequent analysis of the internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal cistron and the universal plastid amplicon (domain V of the 23S rRNA gene) resolved the same groups as COI-5P. Phylogenetic relationships of the Canadian groups were investigated using large-subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU) and a combined analysis of LSU and COI-5P data. One species was divergent from the Pugetia spp. in all analyses and grouped closely with the kallymeniacean genera Erythrophyllum (Kallymeniaceae, Gigartinales) and Kallymeniopsis (Kallymeniaceae, Gigartinales) − it is here described as Beringia wynnei sp. nov. The other ‘Pugetia’ species fell into two divergent clusters in phylogenetic analyses, differing also in blade thickness, carpogonial branch morphology and the association of the auxiliary cell relative to the carpogonium (procarpic vs nonprocarpic). We retain the genus Pugetia for the type species P. fragilissima and P. cryptica sp. nov. and describe the new genus Salishia for Salishia firma (Kylin) comb. nov., S. sanguinea (Montagne) comb. nov. and S. chilensis (J. Agardh) comb. nov. Finally, we completed morphological and anatomical examinations of other Pugetia species to provide a comprehensive review of the genus.

New, resurrected and redefined species of Mastocarpus (Phyllophoraceae, Rhodophyta) from the northeast Pacific

Lindstrom S.C., Hughey J.R. and Martone P.T. 2011. New, resurrected and redefined species of Mastocarpus (Phyllophoraceae, Rhodophyta). Phycologia 50: 661–683. DOI: 10.2216/10-38.1Recent molecular phylogenetic investigations of the red algal genus Mastocarpus from the northeast Pacific resolved numerous cryptic species. Although species were clearly defined through genetic analyses, the correct names to apply to the species remained unclear due to both morphological variability within species and morphological similarity between species. To determine the appropriate name for each entity, we analyzed DNA from type material of taxa previously ascribed to Mastocarpus. In combination with this analysis, an updated phylogeny based on a broad range of geographical and morphological collections is presented that includes data from nuclear (ribosomal internal transcribed spacers [ITS]), chloroplast (rbcL) and mitochondrial [cytochrome oxidase I (COI)] genomes. By analyzing partial ITS region sequences of type specimens, we are able to match currently accepted names (Mastocarpus papillatus, M. pacificus and M. jardinii) to modern collections. We resurrect the following specific epithets and propose the new combinations Mastocarpus cristatus, Mastocarpus latissimus and Mastocarpus agardhii, and we create new species for which we were unable to verify an existing name: Mastocarpus alaskensis, Mastocarpus intermedius, Mastocarpus vancouveriensis, Mastocarpus californianus and Mastocarpus rigidus. The species formerly included in M. papillatus are now identified as Mastocarpus alaskensis, M. papillatus, Mastocarpus intermedius, Mastocarpus cristatus, Mastocarpus vancouveriensis and Mastocarpus latissimus. The name M. jardinii applies to a species thus far collected only from Moss Beach in San Mateo County and the Monterey Peninsula, both in California. Specimens other than the type previously assigned to M. jardinii are now separated into three species: Mastocarpus rigidus, Mastocarpus californianus and Mastocarpus agardhii. Mastocarpus cristatus represents a species closely allied to Clade 3 (Mastocarpus intermedius), and M. pacificus represents Clade 7. Morphological and anatomical diagnoses, along with vertical distributions and geographic ranges, are provided for each species.