Vincularia roraimae (Zygnematophyceae, Desmidiales), gen. et sp nov from the top of Mt. Roraima, Venezuela

摘要

Venezuelan table-top Mountains (tepuis) are known to be unique ecological ecosystems with high incidence of endemic species. During the years 2000 and 2006, samples of algae from various types of habitats (moist rock walls, small rock pools, peat bogs, small streams and waterfalls) were collected on the top of Mt. Roraima in order to investigate the algal and cyanobacterial flora of this table-top mountain. We found Vincularia roraimae, a new desmid genus and species in small streams oil the summit of Roraima Tepui. Cells of this alga are of Cosmarium-type shape, but are apically attached to thick, colourless mucilaginous fibers. The name Vincularia is derived from the Latin word vinculum (bundle), as the fibers produced by the cells appear to "grow" in bundles.