Some Collections of Vaucheria (Tribophyceae) From Southeastern Australia

Abstract

Sixteen species of Vaucheria are recorded from south-eastern Australia, including V. conifera sp. nov. and V. mulleola subsp. calida subsp. nov. One sample is found to vary to such an extent, also in unialgal culture, that it agrees with the description of V. cruciata in some cases and with that of the later established V. arechavaletae in others: it is concluded that these two species should be merged into one.

The collection stations are briefly characterised. The species are illustrated with line drawings, and the Australian material of previously described species is compared with what is known from elsewhere.

Formation of galls, caused by the rotatorian Proales wernecki, has been observed in four species. Drawings are included of one gall of familiar shape and one of a shape not previously described, the latter formed by Vaucheria erythrospora, which has never been found with galls before.