A. Catalina Mendoza-González

Grateloupia huertana sp. nov. (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta), a peculiar new prostrate species from tropical Pacific Mexico

L.E. Mateo-Cid, A.C. Mendoza-González, B. Gavio and S. Fredericq. 2004. Grateloupia huertana sp. nov. (a peculiar new prostrate species from tropical Pacific Mexico. Phycologia 44: 4–16. Grateloupia huertana sp. nov. is newly described from Oaxaca, Pacific Mexico on the basis of comparative morphology and rbcL sequence analysis. It is distinguished from other Grateloupia species by its entirely prostrate, fleshy-cartilaginous, highly polymorphic habit ranging from single, irregularly spreading and perforated lobes with marginal proliferations, to rosette-like clumps of overlapping blades up to 5 cm in diameter. The entire lowermost surface acts as a single expanded holdfast conforming to the topography of the substratum. Globose and deeply immersed cystocarps are scattered and restricted to the dorsal side. Auxiliary cell and carpogonial ampullae are of the simple Grateloupia-type. The medulla varies from compact and cellular to a network of predominantly periclinal filaments producing varying degrees of secondary cells as the thallus expands laterally. The new species is embedded within the Grateloupia clade in rbcL trees, but its phylogenetic position in relation to other members of the genus remains equivocal. A systematic revision of Grateloupia sensu lato is called for.

Algas marinas bentónicas de Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México

Four benthic algae samples were taken in 3 localities in the Mazatlan shore. Results show the presence of 124 species of benthic marine algae. Seven species ...

Algas marinas bentónicas de Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, México

Results are presented of a study on benthic marine algae from the tropical waters of the coast of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, during 1989. The florist...

Revisión de las especies mexicanas de Pneophyllum Kützing (Corallinales, Rhodophyta)

With the aim of characterizing the Mexican species of coralline algae from the genus Pneophyllum and their distribution, ten field trips in twelve localities...

Laurencia laurahuertana sp. nov. (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta) : An epiphytic species from the Mexican Caribbean

Laurencia laurahuertana Mateo‐Cid, Mendoza‐González, Sentíes & Díaz‐Larrea sp. nov. is described from Quintana Roo, Mexican Caribbean, on the basis of comparative morphology and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase gene sequence analysis. It is distinguished from other Laurencia species by the small size of the sporophytes and dioecious gametophytes, the branching thalli, and its epiphytic habits. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Mexican Caribbean sample, from Punta Herrero (Quintana Roo), formed a distinctive and well supported clade segregated from other species of Laurencia from Brazil and Mexico. The Mexican entity is morphologically and genetically distinct from other Laurencia species, warranting description as a new species.

Osmundea purepecha, n. sp. (Rhodophyta: Ceramiales), from the Pacific Tropical Coast of Mexico, Based on Morphological and Molecular Data

Abstract: Osmundea purepecha Sentíes, Mendoza-González & Mateo-Cid, n. sp., is proposed from Zapote, Michoacán, tropical Mexican Pacific coast, on the basis of comparative morphology and rbcL sequence analysis. This species has characteristics typical of the genus Osmundea, including two pericentral cells per axial segment and male gametophytes with a “filament” type reproductive structure. Spermatangial branches are simple, terminating in one or two spherical sterile cells, developing in pocket-shaped pits located at tips of branchlets. Phylogenetic position of this species was inferred by analysis of chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences from 33 taxa, including one member of the Ceramiaceae as an outgroup. The Mexican Pacific sample, from Zapote, formed a distinctive and well-supported basal clade segregated from other Osmundea species. Osmundea purepecha, n. sp., is morphologically and genetically distinct from other Osmundea species, supporting the assignment of this new taxon.

Ochtodes searlesii sp. nov. (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta), from the Pacific tropical coast of Mexico, based on morphological and molecular evidence

Ochtodes searlesii Mendoza‐González, Mateo‐Cid et Sentíes sp. nov. is described from Michoacán, tropical Mexican Pacific, on the basis of comparative morphology and rbcL sequence analysis. It is distinguished from other Ochtodes species by its erect axes arising from an encrusting base, its small terete fronds, regularly dichotomously branched axes, and obliquely divided zonate tetrasporangia. Phylogenetic analyses showed that three Pacific Mexican samples, from Caletilla, Zapote and La Majahuita (Michoacán), were identical and formed a distinctive and well supported Clade segregated from other species of Ochtodes from Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Guadeloupe and Mexico. The Mexican entity is morphologically distinct from other Ochtodes species as well. On this basis we propose a new Ochtodes species.

Description of two new species of Ochtodes (Rhodophyta: Gigartinales) from Caribbean Mexico on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence

Abstract The species diversity of the red algal genus Ochtodes from Caribbean Mexico is reconsidered after a new collection in this region. A combined analysis of plastid rbcL sequences together with detailed morphological studies has confirmed the presence of two undescribed species in addition to Ochtodes secundiramea. Ochtodes akumalensis sp. nov. has abundant spiny branches, especially on the main axis, and robust cystocarps densely aggregate at the branch tips. In contrast, Ochtodes maguachaveziae sp. nov. lacks spiny branches and gland cells, and bears scattered cystocarps near the branch apices. Both species develop cruciately to obliquely divided zonate tetrasporangia. The molecular analysis showed that O. maguachaveziae and O. akumalensis represent separate taxonomic entities with a 1.8% sequence divergence between them. The description of two new species of Ochtodes from Caribbean Mexico suggest that our knowledge of the regional diversity of this genus is still incomplete.