The Order Palmariales (Rhodophyta) in the North Pacific Area of Russia: Taxonomic Revision of Halosaccion Kützing and Devaleraea Guiry

Abstract

Research data on taxonomy of the members of the family Palmariaceae (Palmariales, Rhodophyta) from the Russian Pacific coasts are presented.  Special attention is paid to taxonomic status of two genera of palmarialean algae inhabiting the area: Halosaccion and Devaleraea. The genus Halosaccion is presented in the Russian Pacific area by 3 species: H. glandiforme (=H. hydrophorum), H. minjaii, H. yendoi (= D. yendoi). The first one H. glandiforme is proposed herein as a type species of the genus Halosaccion, while H. hydrophorum is treated as a later taxonomic synonym of H. glandiforme. The generic position of H. yendoiis hitherto controversial. It was described originally as H. yendoi, then transferred to Devaleraea, but later on reinstated within Halosaccion on the basis of genetic data in spite of anatomy typical of the genus Devaleraea. Taxonomic assignment of Halosaccion firmum raised doubts as well. It is anatomically close to Devaleraea and probably should be transferred to this genus. This supposition, based on anatomical parameters, is supported by preliminary genetic data, so a new combination Devaleraea firma (Postels et Ruprecht) Selivanova is presented herein with the proviso that genetic studies will be continued to confirm our results. At present the genus Devaleraea in the studied area is shown to include for sure only one species D. compressa in addition to D. firma. Generic attribution of D. microspora (=H. microsporum) remains questionable until molecular genetic data are available.