Fulgeophyllis (Kallymeniaceae, Gigartinales), a new genus to accommodate two New Zealand species

Studies in New Zealand on the family Kallymeniaceae have revealed greater diversity than had been reported previously, including samples identified as species of the genus Callophyllis. Specimens from New Zealand referred to as Callophyllis variegata were distantly related to the type species from Chile. Samples identified as Judithia laingii (a.k.a. Thamnophyllis laingii) were not part of this genus but were sister to samples of New Zealand `Callophyllis variegata'. These two species from New Zealand were placed in Fulgeophyllis gen. nov. The new genus was characterised by flattened thalli that were flabellate and pseudodichotomously divided into numerous narrow segments terminating with obtuse, truncate or fringed apices and the presence of stellate or elongated refractive cells, immersed in a medulla of large cells surrounded by small-celled filaments. Reproductive features included monocarpogonial and auxiliary branch systems, fusion cells producing nonseptate connecting filaments and protruding ostiolate cystocarps developing in small patches. This study, as well as other studies from New Zealand and Australia, show the high diversity of this family in the southern hemisphere and indicate that a centre of diversity might exist in the southern hemisphere.