An analysis of trichocyte and spore germination attributes as taxonomic characters in the Pneophyllum–Fosliella complex (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta)

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Abstract
Quantitative studies on field populations of 5 spp. and on cultured populations of 2 spp. of the Pneophyllum (synonym; Heteroderma)-Fosliella complex (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta) showed that trichocyte presence/absence and trichocyte arrangement are influenced by light and temperature and/or vary within field populations to the extent that they are not reliable characters for use in generic delineation. Trichocyte position, in contrast, was constant within hypothallial filaments in all field populations and was not affected by various combinations of light and temperature. In field populations, spore germination resulted in discs with segmentation patterns that were constant within each species; each disc contained either a 4-celled or an 8-celled central element. Some variation in spore germination pattern occurred in all culture populations, but in no case did a species with a 4-celled central element produce 8-celled variants or vice versa. These results support Chamberlain''s conclusion that 2 genera should be recognized: Pneophyllum for taxa with intercalary hypothallial trichocytes and 8-celled central elements and Fosliella for taxa with terminal hypothallial trichocytes and 4-celled central elements.

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