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Abstract Over the last 2 decades, routine collections in the Hawaiian Archipelago have expanded to mesophotic reefs, leading to the discovery of a new red algal genus and species, here described asAnunuuluaehu liulagen. et sp. nov. This study provides a detailed genus and species description and characterizes chloroplast and mitochondrial organellar genomes. The new genus,Anunuuluaehu, shares many characteristics with the family Phyllophoraceae and shows close similarities toArchestennogrammaandStenogramma, including habit morphology, nemathecia forming proliferations at the outer cortex with terminal chains of tetrasporangia, and carposporophytes with multi‐layered pericarps. The single species in this genus exhibits distinctive features within the Phyllophoraceae: the presence of single‐layer construction of large medullary cells and the development of long, tubular gonimoblastic filaments. Multi‐gene phylogenetic analyses confirmed it as a unique, monophyletic lineage within the family. Cis‐splicing genes, interrupted by intron‐encoded proteins within group II introns, are present in both the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes ofA. liula. Notably, a specific region of thecoxI group II intron exhibits similarity to fungal introns.Anunuuluaehu liulais presumed to be endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago and thus far is known to live solely at mesophotic depths from Hōlanikū to Kaho‘olawe ranging from 54 to 201 m, which is the deepest collection record of any representative in the family. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the genomic and taxonomic complexities of red algae in mesophotic habitats, emphasizing the significance of continued research in this area to uncover further insights into evolutionary processes and biogeographic patterns.
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Chondrus retortus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) in Hawai ‘ i: a taxonomic and biogeographic puzzle
Abstract Members of the genusChondrusare well-known from temperate and cold waters.Chondrus ocellatusHolmes was reported from Hawai‘i Island (19° N latitude) in 1999 as a new record based on vegetative and tetrasporangial characteristics. The first specimens were collected by Setchell in 1900 in Hilo, HI. The presence of aChondrusspecies in the subtropics has been a phycological enigma for over 100 years. We addressed the question of species identity and biogeographic affinities of the HawaiianChondruswith fresh cystocarpic material, DNA samples, and phylogenetic analyses. Analysis and comparison of five genes (nuclear: EF2; plastid:psbA,rbcL, and 23S/UPA; mitochondrial: COI) from HawaiianChondrusand holotype and topotype material of 10 of the 11 acceptedChondrusspecies indicate that Hawaiian specimens areC. retortusMatsumotoetShimada. However, unlike type material, the Hawaiian specimens are commonly pinnulate, vary significantly in secondary medullary filament density, and have mature cystocarps filling the entire medullary space. This study shows the value of using multi-gene loci and comparing multiple sequences of several species to confirm taxonomic conclusions. Our findings suggest thatC. retortusmay have immigrated via rafting on natural floating material or on ships’ hulls. Solving this old puzzle adds new insight into Hawaiian phytogeography.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1754504
- PAR ID:
- 10547965
- Publisher / Repository:
- Botanica Marina
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Botanica Marina
- Volume:
- 67
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 0006-8055
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 15 to 30
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1515/bot-2023-0019
