Non-marine algae of Australia:1. Survey of colonial gelatinous blue-green macroalgae (Cyanobacteria)

Abstract

Non-planktonic freshwater and terrestrial blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) large enough to be noticeable even to casual observers, are frequently encountered in Australia, but appear only occasionally in the literature. Sixteen species of gelatinous colonial blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) from Australia (Melbourne (Victoria), Sydney (New South Wales), Brisbane (Queensland) and Hobart (Tasmania)), are documented here. Two species - Nostoc borzioides and Rivularia concentrica - are new to science, and nine (Aphanothece caldariorum, A. pallida; Nostochopsis lobatus; Rivularia aquatica; Gloeotrichia pilgeri; Dichothrix gypsophila; Nostoc flagelliforme; Nostoc pruniforme; Nostoc gelatinosum) are newly recorded from Australia. The others are Rivularia beccariana; Cylindrospermum licheniforme; C. stagnale; Nostoc commune and Nostoc verrucosum. Keys to the genera and species occurring in Australia are provided