Huismanophycus marinus G.W.Saunders & Kraft, 2025

Huismanophycus marinus G.W.Saunders & Kraft , sp. nov.

Type: WESTERN AUSTRALIA: ‘ The Basin’, Rottnest Island (31 ° 59′21″S, 115 ° 32′09″E), thalli on Sonderophycus capensis at −3.0 m, 18 Nov. 2010, K. & R. Dixon & G. Bolton (holo: UNB-GWS025656 (fig. 11 I), non-reproductive. Type DNA barcode: PP866183 (COI-5 P), PP866282 (rbcL). GoogleMaps

The single collection on which this taxon is based consists of recumbent to prostrate epiphytes on the fan-shaped dorsal surfaces of Sonderophycus capensis (Mont.) M.J.Wynne ( Fig. 11 i View Fig ). Thalli fragmenting easily, one of the largest portions reaching 1.55 cm in length with axes 30–70 µm in width ( Fig. 11 j View Fig ). Irregularly produced laterals tapering to needle-like points imparting a Hypnea -like appearance to the fronds ( Fig. 11 j View Fig ). Growth from a single obliquely dividing apical cell ( Fig. 11 k View Fig ), the initially terete axes becoming compressed and 90–110 µm wide by 60–70 µm thick ( Fig. 11 j, l View Fig ). The central-axial filament persisting in lower cross-sections and surrounded by one or two layers of rounded hyaline cortical cells and a surface layer of similarly sized rounded to angular cells ( Fig.11 l, m View Fig ). Axial cells occasionally pit-connected to two periaxial cells ( Fig. 11 l View Fig , arrows) but usually only one is present and rotated on successive axial cells ( Fig. 11 m View Fig , arrows). Surface cells occasionally extending into deciduous hairs ( Fig. 11 n View Fig ). Prostrate axes anchored basally and along the lengths by compact short haptera that issue from the under sides ( Fig. 11 o View Fig ). Reproductive structures not known.

Etymology

Casting the genus named to honour Dr Huisman in the second declension enables the species name that follows suit with a masculine ending to be the exact nominativecase spelling of his middle name, thus allowing a double-dip of tribute in connection to the marine studies for which he is renown (as emphasised by Kraft 2019, p. 227).