The Red Algae Genus Callophyllis Kützing (Kallymeniaceae, Gigartinales) from Eastern Mainland Australia, with Notes on the Genus Ectophora J. Agardh

Abstract

Two species attributable to Callophyllis, a genus only recently recorded from eastern mainland Australia, are described from subtidal habitats in New South Wales. One of the species closely conforms to the New Zealand endemic Callophyllis ilepressa (J. Agardh) Laing, formerly the type species of the genus Ectophora J. Agardh. Although full reproductive details of this species are lacking, evidence in this survey strongly suggests that the genus was and is correctly placed in synonymy with Callophyllis. Thalli of C. depressa consist of prostrale, spreading, imbricate blades firmly anchored to rocky substrata by numerous haptera arising from the under surfaces. Upper frond surfaces are iridescent in localised patches corresponding to nests of refractive subcortical cells. The outer cortex in cross section comprises three to six layers and is composed of anticlinal filaments lacking secondary pit connections. The medulla consists of large, subisodiametric cells interspersed with narrow filaments. Plants appear to be procarpic, the supporting cells bearing a single three-celled carpogonial branch and several elaborately lobed, elongated, sterile cells. The second species is named Callophyllis nana sp. nov. for its diminutive (1.5 to 3 cm in length) fronds. Blades overlap, anastornose, and attach to rocky or bryozoan substrata by a single basal holdfast. The cortex is single-layered, the medulla being one to several layers of large subisodiametric cells interspersed with narrow filaments. Plants appear to be procarpic, the supporting cells bearing a single three-celled carpogonial branch and several relatively unlobed, short, bulbous sterile cells. Because of the inclusion of Ectophora into Callophyllis, the new name Callophyllis laingiaiia is proposed to replace Callophyllis dichotoma (J. Agardh) Laing [non C. dichotoma (Hooker et Harvey in Hooker) Kützing].