Characterisation of the enigmatic, endemic red alga Gelidium allanii (Gelidiales) from northern New Zealand: morphology, distribution, agar chemistry

• Published in: Journal of applied phycology Vol. 6; no. 5-6; pp. 497 - 507
• Main Authors: NELSON, W. A, KNIGHT, G. A, FALSHAW, R, FURNEAUX, R. H, FALSHAW, A, LYNDS, S. M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01-12-1994
• Subjects: Algae; Biological and medical sciences; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Marine; Plant cytology, morphology, systematics, chorology and evolution; Pterocladia capillacea; Rhodophyta; Thallophyta; New Zealand; Oceania; PSE, New Zealand; Herbarium; Endemic species; Taxonomy; Algae; Interspecific comparison; Agar; Pyruvic acid; Coastal zone; Rhodophycophyta; Marine environment; Geographic distribution; Morphology; Chemical composition; Carbohydrate; Habitat; Thallophyta
• ISSN: 0921-8971; 1573-5176
• DOI: 10.1007/bf02182404

Gelidium allanii Chapman is endemic to northern New Zealand with a highly localised distribution. This species has remained little known, having been collected from only one locality for more than 40 years. We compare this species with other New Zealand members of the Gelidiaceae, in particular Gelidium caulacantheum and Pterocladia capillacea, presenting new data on morphology, distribution and agar chemistry to more fully characterise G. allanii. G. allanii possesses a very distinctive, highly pyruvated agar. New Zealand records of two Australian species G. australe and G. asperum are examined and it is concluded that there is no evidence for their occurrence in New Zealand.