A Taxonomic Review of Hawaiian Gelidiales (Rhodophyta)

Abstract

The present study reviews most collections of Gelidiales known from Hawaii. Three genera, each one including four species, are recognized among nearly 350 specimens examined. The genus Gelidiefla is represented in Hawaii by G. acerosa (Forsskal) Feldmann et Hamel, G. adnata Dawson, G. machrisiana Dawson, and G. myrioclada B0rgesen. The genus Gelidium includes G. crinale (Turner) Lamouroux, G. pluma Loomis, G. pusillum (Lamouroux) Le Jolis, and G. reediae Loomis. The genus Pterocladia is represented in Hawaii by P. bulbosa Loomis, P. caloglossoides (Howe) Dawson, P. caerulescens (Kutzing) Santelices, and P. capillacea (Gmelin) Bornet et Thuret. Only six of the 21 species of Gelidiales previously reported for Hawaii were found to be represented in the material studied. There is evidence of misidentification in at least eight cases, and two specific epithets based on Hawaiian specimens are considered to be synonymous with other species. Five species previously reported from Hawaii are still unchecked due to their absence from the material studied. Seven previously unreported species of Gelidiales were added as new records for the Hawaiian flora. A key is given that identifies the Hawaiian Gelidiales, and this is followed by a description, with illustrations and a discussion, of each ofthe 12 species found.