GIFFORDIA ONSLOWENSIS SP. NOV. (PHAEOPHYCEAE) FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA CONTINENTAL SHELF AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GIFFORDIA AND ACINETOSPORA1

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Abstract
Giffordia onslowensis sp. nov. is described from the North Carolina continental shelf. This alga is distinct in having upper filaments which are profusely branched, with branches borne at the tops of cells at narrow angles, and lower filaments which are sparsely branched, with branches borne at the middle of cells at wide angles. It is somewhat intermediate between Acinetospora and Giffordia because of the morphology of the lower branches. Morphological variability of Giffordia in culture is numerically documented and similarities between Giffordia spp. and Acinetospora in culture are interpreted as artifacts of altered or incomplete development. It is concluded that Acinetospora, Giffordia, and Ectocarpus should be retained as separate genera.