REINSTATEMENT OF THE GENUSMASTOCARPUSKÜTZING (RHODOPHYTA)

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Abstract
Summary: Morphological, life history and biochemical characters are used to show why the genusMastocarpusshould be reinstated for four widely distributed species ofGigartina(Gigartinaceae).Mastocarpusspecies have channelled thalli on which the female reproductive structures and carposporophytes are formed on specially formed papillate structures, have heteromorphic‐type (and associated direct‐type) life histories involving an alternation with tetrasporophytes previously referred to the genusPetrocelis, and tetrasporangia are formed singly.Gigartinaspecies do not have specially formed papillae, have isomorphic gametophytes and sporophytes, and tetrasporangia are produced in branched or unbranched chains.Mastocarpusspecies share many features in common with the Phyllophoraceae and Gigartinaceae but it is proposed that the Petrocelidaceae Denizot be adopted for this genus on the basis of the character of the formation of tetrasporangia singly rather than in chains.
Funding Information
  • U.S. Department of Commerce
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (1130 (1977–79))