Molecular systematic analyses indicate that the enigmatic Apophlaea is a member of the Hildenbrandiales (Rhodophyta, Florideophycidae)

Nuclear small-subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA sequences were determined for Apo phlaea lyallii Hooker f. et Harvey from New Zealand and an isolate of Hilde nbrandia rubra (Sommerfelt) Meneghini from France. These data, in addition to SSU sequences representative of all the major florideophyte lineages, we re used in molecular systematic investigations to confirm inclusion of Apop hlaea in the Hildenbrandiales, Anatomical features that serve to unite Apop hlaea and Hildenbrandia are discussed to buttress this result. Furthermore, our analyses support recognition of the Hildenbrandiales as sister to all other extant florideophyte lineages studied to date. An anomalous result po sitioning the SSU sequence generated herein for Hildenbrandia rubra closer to Apophlaea lyallii than to a previously published sequence for Hildenbran dia rubra requires further investigation.