Ne. Aponte et Dl. Ballantine, AGLAOTHAMNION FLEXIBILE SP-NOV AND SEIROSPORA-VIRIDIS SP-NOV (CERAMIACEAE, RHODOPHYTA) FROM PUERTO-RICO, Phycologia, 34(2), 1995, pp. 102-112
Two new species of Callithamnieae (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta) are descri
bed from the Caribbean. Aglaothamnion flexibile sp, nov. is a delicate
sublittoral plant growing almost exclusively on coarser algae. Branch
ing is irregularly radial below to subdichotomous above, with ultimate
laterals forming corymbs. The main axes are straight below but marked
ly flexuous to zig-zag above. Plants are ecorticate but may produce lo
ose non-corticating rhizoidal filaments. Seirospora viridis sp. nov. i
s a heavily corticated sublittoral plant characterized by its bright g
reen iridescence. It grows epiphytically on coarser algae or attached
to coral and other hard substrata. Branching is radial throughout with
a 1/4 rotation; ultimate branchlets are flabellate and slightly incur
ved. Seirospora viridis does not produce seirosporangia. Both species
have uninucleate vegetative cells. Generic assignments are based on po
st-fertilization development, carposporophyte structure and overall mo
rphology.