Phylogenetic relationships of Pakistan Gelidium (Gelidiales, Rhodophyta) species with recognition of Gelidium pakistanicum stat. nov.

Two species of Gelidium, Gelidium usmanghanii and Gelidium pusillum var. pakistanicum are reported only from Pakistan, but their taxonomic status, phylogenetic relationships, and distributions have not been assessed with molecular data. Analysis of rbcL sequences revealed that G. usmanghanii was a distinct species with a distribution extending at least to the coast of Oman. This analysis also resolved G. pusillum var. pakistanicum within a Gelidium millariana species complex that was distantly related to G. pusillum. Further analyses of rbcL and COI-5P sequences showed that G. pusillum var. pakistanicum was a distinct species in this complex, and based on these molecular, and previous morphological results, this variety is elevated to the rank of species as Gelidium pakistanicum stat. nov.

Epiphytic macroalgae from Boa Viagem Beach, Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil

The aim of this study was to carry out a taxonomic survey of epiphytic seaweeds that occur on reefs of Boa Viagem Beach, located in the metropolitan region of Recife – Pernambuco state, Brazil. The samplings were performed in the dry season (December 2009) and rainy season (April 2010) at intertidal reefs using 625 cm2 squares. Voucher specimens are deposited at the Herbarium of the Instituto de Botânica, São Paulo, Brazil (SP). A total of 48 taxa were recorded of which 20 were Chlorophyta, 27 Rhodophyta and one Heterokontophyta. The most representative orders were Ceramiales and Cladophorales, with 17 and 10 taxa respectively. Nine species are new additions to the flora of Pernambucan coast. Gelidium pusillum (Stackh.) Le Jol. 1863 and Chondracanthus saundersii C. W. Schneid. and C. E. Lane 2005 had the highest number of epiphytic macroalgae. The majority of species was collected in the rainy season and on wave-exposed sites.