Remarkable desmids (Desmidiaceae, Charophyta) from Sardinia, Italy

Abstract

A number of benthic microfauna samples collected in Sardinia in the 1970s, and screened for the occurrence of microalgae in the 1990s, revealed some remarkable desmid species. Most of these species could not be found in a series of samples collected in 2006. Eleven desmid taxa are discussed in detail, two of which are described as new to science; Cosmarium majaeforme sp. nov. and Xanthidium sardiniense sp. nov. The specific composition of the Sardinian desmid flora is discussed both in relation to the prevailing environmental conditions and to its geographic position close to the African continent. © 2007 The Authors.