LYNGBYAINFESTATIONS: COMPARATIVE TAXONOMY OFLYNGBYA WOLLEICOMB. NOV. (CYANOBACTERIA)1

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Abstract
Conflicting taxonomic identifications of an extremely large‐celled (width: 24.9–64.4 μm, length: 2.0–11.5 μm), filamentous, mat‐forming cyanobacterium prompted a search for an accurate taxonomic identity. This alga was reported by various workers asPlectonema wolleiFar‐low ex Gomont,Lyngbya majusculaHarvey ex Gomont,Lyngbya magnificaGardner,Lyngbya birgeiSmith,Lyngbya latissimaPrescott, andMicrocoleus lyngbyaceus (Kützing)Crouan sensu Drouet. Quantitative analyses of cellular morphology, evaluation of habitat preference, and growth form were used to characterize the organism. Descriptions and taxonomic histories of this organism and the six described taxa were compared.The organism is identified asPlectonema wolleiFar‐low ex Gomont according to most existing botanical taxonomic systems. However, this identification places undue emphasis on the extremely variable characteristic of false branching, which varies seasonally and with growth status. To eliminate the confusion inherent in basing taxonomy upon an environmentally variable characteristic, identification asLyngbya wollei(Farlow ex Gomont) comb. nov. is recommended.