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Transferring G racilaria irregularis ( G racilariaceae, R hodophyta) from T hailand to G racilariopsis based on morphological and molecular analyses
Author(s) -
Muangmai Narongrit,
Yamagishi Yukimasa,
Zuccarello Giuseppe C.,
Chirapart Ag,
Lewmanomont Khanjanapaj
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
phycological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.438
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1835
pISSN - 1322-0829
DOI - 10.1111/pre.12032
Subject(s) - biology , thallus , botany , type locality , clade , molecular phylogenetics , phylogenetic tree , holotype , taxonomy (biology) , morphological analysis , type (biology) , zoology , ecology , gene , biochemistry , artificial intelligence , computer science
Summary G racilaria irregularis , endemic to T hailand, was originally described from A o L en, T rat peninsula, T hailand, and was characterized by a short, succulent thallus with irregular branching, verrucosa ‐type spermatangia (a taxonomic criterion for G racilaria ) and the absence of nutritive filaments (a taxonomic criterion for G racilariopsis ). Due to the combination of characters diagnostic of both the genera G racilaria and G racilariopsis , the taxonomic status of this species is unclear. This present study reassesses the identity of G . irregularis based on morphological features and the large subunit of ribulose‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase gene sequences. Newly collected samples from the type locality and KU collection were investigated. Our morphological re‐examinations were relatively similar to the original type description, except that the male plants showed superficial chorda ‐type spermatangia, an important characteristic recognized in G racilariopsis . Molecular analysis placed G . irregularis in the G racilariopsis clade, forming a well‐supported clade with G racilariopsis bailiniae . Detailed morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses clearly showed that G . irregularis is congruous with the generic concept of G racilariopsis , and consequently the new combination of G racilariopsis irregularis is proposed. We believe that in the original description a heterogeneous holotype was used. Our data also shows the problems that can occur when collections are made of multiple plants, of similar external morphology, to describe new species.