Morphology of Dictyopteris punctata (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae)

SUMMARY Taxonomic re‐examination of Dictyopteris punctata Noda revealed vegetative and reproductive characters that were not described in the original description. The outer one‐fifth to two‐fifths of the blade margin was monostromatic. Reproductive organs of female and male gametophytes were observed for the first time. All reproductive organs (sporangia, oogonia, antheridia) were formed on middle to upper parts of thalli and between the midrib and distromatic area of the blades, and never produced on the monostromatic areas. Maturation starts earlier at the lower part. Sporangia were solitary and scattered. Oogonia were scattered singly or in small groups and more densely distributed than sporangia. Antheridial sori were scattered around a midrib, and raised above the wing surfaces. Antheridia were taller around the midrib than in the middle part of a wing. The monostromatic wings and lack of distinct oogonial sori are new taxonomic characters of Dictyopteris punctata and further define this species with scattered sporangia, the taxonomic character hitherto used.