Marine benthic flora of the Mediterranean Sea: Chlorophyta

Abstract

After a brief introduction on general characteristics, classification, geographic distribution and ecology of Chlorophyta (green algae), an identification key to macroalgal genera, species and infraspecific taxa of that Phylum occurring in the Mediterranean Sea is given. Following a taxonomic-nomenclatural revision of macroal-gal taxa to date recorded from that Sea, 176 taxa at specific and infraspecific level are accepted, 101 are considered as taxa inquirenda (5 of which are illegitimate) and 42 are considered as taxa excludenda (3 of which are inquirenda and 2 are invalid). Moreover, 76 taxa are invalid (30 of which because nomina nuda). Seven new combinations and a new species are proposed too. The systematic arrangement followed, derives from the most recent works based on molecular analyses. Of each taxon a brief description, preceded by both iconographic references and references reporting its distribution in the Mediterranean Sea, is given. Moreover, the treatment of most taxa is enriched with notes supporting either synonyms indicated, or taxonomic choices followed or the reasons for considering the taxon as inquirendum or excludendum. A glossary of 154 entries, an index of all taxa quoted in the text and 88 plates in which all taxa at specific and infraspecific level (taxa inquirenda excluded) are illustrated, complete the paper.