Skip to main content Skip to main navigation menu Skip to site footer
Responsive image
Issue: Vol. 284 No. 3: 16 November 2016
Type: Article
Published: 2016-11-16
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.284.3.4
Page range: 194–202
Abstract views: 27
PDF downloaded: 1

Achnanthidium sinense sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta) from the Wuling Mountains Area, China

Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Utilization, College of Hunan Province; College of Biology and Environmental Science, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China.
Department of Biodiversity and Environmental Management, University of León, 24071 León, Spain. Current address: The Institute of the Environment, La Serna, 58, 24007 León, Spain.
Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Utilization, College of Hunan Province; College of Biology and Environmental Science, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China.
Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Utilization, College of Hunan Province; College of Biology and Environmental Science, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China.
Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Utilization, College of Hunan Province; College of Biology and Environmental Science, Jishou University, Jishou 416000, China.
Achnanthidaceae epilithon lanceolate monoraphid new diatom species Algae

Abstract

Achnanthidium sinense sp. nov., a new diatom species from the Wuling Mountains Area, central China, was studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The valvar dimensions of this species are relatively large with respect to average Achnathidium taxa. The valves are narrowly lanceolate with round, acute apices. Only a few striae in the middle part of both valves can be resolved under light microscopy. The axial area of raphe valve is linear-lanceolate and the distal raphe fissures hook towards the same side of the valve. Striae are slightly radiate throughout both valves except at the apices of the raphe valve, where they become parallel or slightly convergent. The number of areolae in each stria on the rapheless valve is usually greater than that on the raphe valve (1–7 vs. 1–6). Around the central areas of both valves, sometimes short marginal striae composed of 1–3 areolae are present. Valve mantle possesses a row of slit-like areolae and 2–3 notches. A. sinense is compared with the similar species A. exile and other large species. A. sinense is epilithic and lives in freshwater habitats.