New and old problems in the taxonomy of the Gelidiales (Rhodophyta)

✍ Scribed by Bernabé Santelices

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1990
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 953 KB
• Volume: 204-205
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1573-5141
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00040224

✦ Synopsis

The order Gelidiales includes over 140 agar-producing taxa . Many species are taxonomically confused ; the boundaries of one family and all but four genera recently have been contested, and the controversy over ordinal status has lasted for over 25 years . This study reviews recent developments in the taxonomy of the group and suggests future areas for studies . The order cannot be defined by a few exclusive characters, as intended in the past, but it shows a unique combination of characters . Additional studies on Gelidiella and Acanthopeltis seem advisable to clarify family limits . The segregation of Onikusa and Pterocladiastrum is doubtful . Only three of six characters discriminate Gelidium from Pterocladia . None allows complete generic segregation and all need variability studies . Analysis of nomenclatural types in the light of morphological variation would permit an understanding of species limits in Gelidium and Pterocladia . Similar studies are needed in Gelidiella and Ptilophora .