Studies onMetamastophora(Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta). II. Systematics and distribution

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Abstract
A monographic revision of the Metamastophora (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta) based on inductive and taxometric analyses of data obtained from all relevant type collections and over 500 other specimens has led to the conclusion that the genus is monotypic. Critical assessments of over 60 morphological/anatomical characters including those used previously for diagnostic purposes has failed to reveal any basis upon which taxa can be delineated reliably within the genus. Several taxa hitherto recognized as distinct species represent monstrosities in which the deformities are induced by the presence of particular invertebrates. The generic description is emended to take account of newly obtained data; lectotype specimens are designated; and all pertinent taxonomic and nomenclatural information is summarized. Metamastophora occurs definitely only in southern Australia and southern Africa; other records are doubtful and almost certainly are based on misidentifications. The genus is assigned to the subfamily Lithophylloideae and its relationships to other Corallinaceae are considered.

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