Structure and reproduction of Sphaeroplea fragilis sp.nov., a new member of the Sphaeropleaceae (Chlorophyceae) from California

Abstract

A new species of Sphaeroplea is described from material collected near Lemoncove, California. Sphaeroplea fragilis sp.nov. possesses a combination of features that clearly support its status as a distinct member of the Sphaeropleaceae. These features include the production of vegetative filaments that fragment easily, the presence of numerous and relatively long cytoplasmic plugs (4 – 400 μm), precocious sexual development, the production of short antheridia (21 – 141 μm), a highly variable ornamentation of the oospore wall, and the occasional production of cirri, which are curled appendages on the oospore wall.