The phylogenetic affinities of the brown alga Herpodiscus durvillaeae, an obligate parasite of Durvillaea antarctica (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) endemic to New Zealand, were analysed using combined partial nuclear encoded ribosomal DNA (26S) and plastid encoded RuBisCO (rbcL) gene sequences. Results from phylogenetic analyses place this species within the order Sphacelariales. Molecular data were supported by two morphological features characteristic for the Sphacelariales sensu stricto: the presence of apical cells and the transitory blackening of the cell wall with sodium hypochlorite solution (‘Eau de Javel’). However, the strongly heteromorphic life history distinguishes H. durvillaeae from all other members of the Sphacelariales of which the life cycle is known. This variability in life history provides a new systematic character for the order and should be taken into account in any comprehensive systematic revision of the Sphacelariales.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	26S nrDNA, Eau de Javel, Herpodiscus durvillaeae, parasitic brown alga, phylogeny, rbcL, RuBisCO, Sphacelariales
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Plant Biology
Research Field:	Phycology (incl. Marine Grasses)
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Objective Field:	Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Author:	Hurd, CL (Associate Professor Catriona Hurd)
ID Code:	93029
Year Published:	2009 (online first 2008)
Web of Science® Times Cited:	6
Deposited By:	IMAS Research and Education Centre
Deposited On:	2014-07-08
Last Modified:	2014-08-05
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