Gloiocladia iyoensis (Okamura) R.E.Norris

Gloiocladia iyoensis (Okamura) R.E.Norris

( Fig. 4 A-H)

Homotypic synonym: Gloioderma iyoense Okamura.

ETYMOLOGY. — Laua‘enohokai was established by the CWG as the Hawaiian name of this species. Laua‘e refers to one of the most common ferns found in Hawai‘i, Microsorium scolopendria (Indigenous to Australia). Nohokai, meaning sea dweller, was added to signify the ocean-land connection of the two counterparts (refer to Appendix 1 for more details of the naming process).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. — BISH 789098 (ARS 10720) , BISH 789099 (ARS 11146) .

HABIT AND MORPHOLOGY OF HAWAIIAN SPECIMENS. — Live specimens exhibit a variety of morphologies and are characterized by a pale pink color ( Fig.4A). The color of preserved specimens ranges from pale-red to pink and thalli can vary in shape from fan-like blades to extended branches ( Fig. 4B). Flattened thalli have small sawtooth branchlets, c. 200 µm long, along the edge (possibly due to the incomplete growth of specimens). Branchlets spaced 100-200 µm apart ( Fig. 4C). Blades are up to 150 µm thick in cross section ( Fig. 4D). Cortical cells are loosely arranged, 4 µm in diameter ( Fig. 4E). Subcortical cells are laterally connected via secondary pit connections ( Fig. 4F). Medullary, subcortical, and cortical cells are connected via pit connections ( Fig. 4G). Medullary cells, 4-6 layers in cross section, are up to 100 µm in diameter. Cortical cells in 3-4 layers are connected via pit connections, extending from elongated subcortical cells, 5 × 20 µm in size ( Fig. 4H). Trichogynes observed protruding out of the thallus ( Fig. 4I). Other reproductive features not observed.

DISTRIBUTION. — Two new records from MCE depths; 61 m depth from Middle Bank and 63 m depth from Lalo (French Frigate Shoals). Previous records suggested the species is present throughout the intertidal and subtidal ranges (> 7 m depths) throughout the Hawaiian Islands, with only one previous collection from MCE depths ( 66 m depth) collected by dredging.