Observations on the Morphology and Taxonomy of Phycopeltis hawaiiensis King (Chroolepidaceae)

Abstract

Observations with light and scanning electron microscopes indicate the foliicolous chlorophyte Phycopeltis hawaiiensis King (Chroolepid aceae) is subcuticular and polystromatic, produces sterile hairs, and induces a distinct wounding, reaction in sub tending host tissue. In comparison, similar observations on Pbycopeltis epiphyton and other Phycopeltis species reveal that, although they are also foliicolous, they are supracuticular and monostromatic. Also, they neither produce sterile hairs nor induce a wounding response in the host leaf. Because the observed characteristics of Phycopeltis hawaiiensis are similar to those of Cepbaleuros virescens and other Cephaleuros species, it is suggested that Phycopeltis hawaiiensis is probably a Cepbaleuros species; however, the absence of reproductive structures renders the designation of a specific epithet problematic.