Typification and taxonomy of Gyrosigma tenuissimum (W. Sm.) J.W. Griffith & Henfr., comparison with Gyrosigma coelophilum N. Okamoto & Nagumo and description of two new taxa: Gyrosigma tenuissimum var. gundulae var. nov. and Gyrosigma baculum sp. nov. (Pleurosigmataceae, Bacillariophyta)

Abstract

Gyrosigma tenuissimum (W.Sm.) J.W.Griffith & Henfr. was examined in the original material and an emended description is presented. Its protologue contains an error of taxonomic significance: in the type material, the valve and raphe sternum do not show the considerable flexure described and illustrated in Smith (1853). A comparison with Gyrosigma coelophilum N. Okamoto & Nagumo revealed that the latter, although similar in several characters, differs sufficiently in others to warrant separate specific status. Descriptions of two new taxa are given: Gyrosigma tenuissimum var. gundulae var. nov. and Gyrosigma baculum sp. nov. Both show very fine longitudinal striae at or beyond the limit of ordinary light microscopy and are practically non-sigmoid