Lithothamnion superpositum Foslie: a common crustose red alga (Corallinaceae) in South Africa

A species of non-geniculate coralline alga that is common in the subtidal z one of South Africa (SA) was studied from collections made around the SA co ast. It was compared with the holotype of Lithothamnion superpositum, to wh ich it was found to conform. SA material and the type were also compared wi th published descriptions and illustrations of Lithpothamnion indicum from Australia. These taxa are conspecific, so L. indicum is a heterotypic synon ym of L. superpositum, which epithet has historical priority. Specimens Fro m Madeira were also found to conform to this species. (C) 2000 Adac/Edition s scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.