Kappaphycus malesianus sp. nov.: a new species of Kappaphycus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) from Southeast Asia

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2014
Authors:J. Tan, Lim, P. E., Phang, S. M., Rahiman, A., Nikmatullah, A., Sunarpi, H., Hurtado, A. Q.
Journal:Journal of Applied PhycologyJournal of Applied Phycology
Volume:26
Pagination:1273-1285
Date Published:2014/04/01
ISBN Number:1573-5176
Abstract:

A new species, Kappaphycus malesianus, is established as a new member of the genus Kappaphycus. Locally known as the “Aring-aring” variety by farmers in Malaysia and the Philippines, this variety has been commercially cultivated, often together with Kappaphycus alvarezii due to the similarities in morphology. Despite also producing kappa-carrageenan, the lower biomass of the K. malesianus when mixed with K. alvarezii ultimately affects the carrageenan yield. Morphological observations, on both wild and cultivated plants, coupled with molecular data have shown K. malesianus to be genetically distinct from its Kappaphycus congeners. The present study describes the morphology and anatomy of this new species as supported by DNA data, with additional morphological features for distinguishing between commercial Kappaphycus cultivars.

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