FAMILY AND GENERIC DELINEATION WITHIN THE ACROCHAETIALES (RHODOPHYTA).

Harper, J. T. & Saunders, G. W. Center for Environmental and Molecular Algal Research, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada, E3B 6E1 Recent SSU- and LSU-based molecular systematic investigations have confirmed the close relationships between the members of the Acrochaetiales-Nemaliales-Palmariales complex. While the Nemaliales and Palmariales have consistently been resolved as monophyletic, the Acrochaetiales is represented by two divergent and strongly supported groups-Acrochaetiales I and II. While the Nemaliales has been resolved as sister to the Acrochaetiales and Palmariales, the relationships between the remaining taxa are equivocal. Recognition of two families within the Acrochaetiales is proposed - an emended Acrochaetiaceae and Colaconemataceae fam. nov. Molecular data have confirmed the placement of Acrochaetium, Audouinella, and Rhodochorton within the Acrochaetiaceae and Colaconema within the Colaconemataceae. Based on morphological and anatomical grounds, the genus Liagorophila is placed in synonymy with Acrochaetium. The Colaconemataceae houses a diverse assemblage of marine acrochaetioid taxa, and will most certainly be represented by multiple genera following further investigation. Key features of taxa within this group will be presented, as well as a review of the valid generic names available for colaconemataceaen species - Grania and Kylinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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