Taxonomy and distribution of Paralemanea (Lemaneaceae, Rhodophyta) in Central Mexico

Abstract- Three collections of Paralemanea from Central Mexico included two species Paralemanea mexicana is large (length 2 4.0 q; diameter> 400 pm) and!r enerally branched (2 40 % of plants branched), wrth whorled branches, of st to second order. Paralemanea nnulata is small (length < 5.0 cm; diameter < 500 q), generally unbranched (5 5 % of plants branched), with branches of first order. Spermatangial sori contained obovord spermatangia, formed from cells of the outer cortical layers, extending above the thallus surface. Carpogonial branches are described for the first trme in E! mexicana. They develop on lateral Hanrents at nodes or internodes and have ovoid to globular cells, abundantly branched at the basal portion, penetrating the cortex towards the thallus surface. Carposporophytes are sessile on the inner portion of the cortex and produce carpospores in chains of up to twelve. ‘Ihe ‘Chantransia ’ stage was observed in I? mexicana. Paralemanea nnulata is described for the first time from Mexico and Z? menicana is endemic from this count. (temperature 12-16OC), acidic (pH 5.5-6.0 7 Both species were collected in cold, shallow (depth l-60 cm) and moder-ate to fast flowing waters (> 35 cm s-l), in shaded or part & shaded river segments, on rocky substrata (mostly bedrock)