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Issue: Vol. 741 No. 2: 13 Feb. 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-02-13
DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.741.2.3
Page range: 168-178
Abstract views: 15
PDF downloaded: 0

New insights into the morphology, taxonomy and biogeography of Bambusina armata (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae) and morphologically allied taxa

Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
desmid chain-forming pseudofilaments Angola Bambusina armata var. armata Bambusina armata var. raciborskii Bambusina eckertii Bambusina raciborskii comb. et stat. nov. Algae

Abstract

Bambusina armata var. raciborskii is a rare desmid previously reported only from Brazil, Madagascar, and Thailand. This study documents its first record from continental Africa, based on material collected in central Angola. To date, only line drawings of this taxon have been published. In this paper the first photographs (both light- and scanning electron micrographs) are provided, emphasising the importance of this record. Cells from Angola closely resembled a smaller morphotype described from Madagascar. Distinguishing features from the nominate variety include divergent spines and swollen spine bases. This record extends the known distribution of the taxon to continental Africa, emphasising the importance of continued algal biodiversity surveys in underexplored regions, particularly Africa. Based on an intensive review of previously published literature and an analysis of morphological characteristics of B. armata var. raciborskii specimens from Angola, the raise of taxonomical status of B. armata var. raciborskii to species rank is proposed.

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How to Cite

Levanets, A. & Vuuren, S.J.V. (2026) New insights into the morphology, taxonomy and biogeography of Bambusina armata (Desmidiaceae, Zygnematophyceae) and morphologically allied taxa. Phytotaxa 741 (2): 168–178. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.741.2.3