O gênero Halimeda (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) no litoral do estado da Bahia, Brasil

Abstract

Halimeda is among the most abundant genus in tropical reefs and, due to the ability to biomineralization of calcium carbonate, it is important in carbon sequestration, construction and sedimentation of organogenic formation of reefs and marine superficial sediments. The coast of Bahia, the most extensive of Brazil, lacks detailed studies on the genus, most of which are limited to floristic inventories. This paper presents the flora of Halimeda from Bahia coast based on material deposited in the main Brazilian herbaria and from sampling in Bahia coast between the years 2012 and 2013. Seven species are recognized and an identification key along with descriptions of the genus and species, illustrations, taxonomic notes and distribution maps for species in Bahia are provided.