Epiphytic Algae on the Bryophytes of Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica

The epiphytic algae on the bryophytes of Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica, are taxonomically investigated, and sixteen algal species are recognized including ten species of blue–green algae dominated by the species of Nostoc, three species of green algae, a xanthophycean alga and two diatoms. The occurrence of algae on different bryophytes is dependent on water-holding capacity of the bryophytes and sometimes nutrient enrichment in nearby lands through the excretion of resting sea birds. Thus, the bryophyte colonies in Broknes Peninsula, Fisher and Solomon Islands have rich and diverse epiphytic algal populations among the 18 study sites. The present study not only widens our knowledge on polar algal distribution, but can also be preferred as ‘model’ environment for the further studies of plant-adaptive strategies to thrive in the harshest environment.