Algae. 1996; 11(1): 73-80.

A Taxonomy of the Genus Corallina (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta) in Korea

Ji Hee Kim, Do Sung Choi, In Kyu Lee

Department of Biology, Seoul National University, Department of Science Education, Kwangju National University of Education

Three species of the genus Corallina (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta), Corallina officinalis Linnaeus, C. pilulifera Postels et Ruprecht, and C. confusa Yendo, were investigated taxonomically from the coasts of Korea during June 1992 and April 1993 in order to clarify and re-evaluate the characteristics of the species. Habit, vegetative morphology, reproductive structures, and phenology were discussed on the point of taxonomic criteria. The initial separation of these three species was based on the number of tiers of medullary cells per intergeniculum. They were distinctive respectively in the prostrate lower branches, shape of intergenicula, and terminal conceptacle with antennae, as well as intergenicular length, number of tiers per intergeniculum, and number and area of epithallial cell concavity per unit area.

Keywords : taxonomy of Corallina, C. officinalis, C. pilulifera, C. confusa, intergeniculum, tiers of medullary cell, surface structure, antenna, eqithallial cell concavity