Preliminary Studies of Philippine Eucheuma Species (Rhodophyta) Part 1, Taxonomy and Ecology of Eucheuma arnoldii Weber-van Bosse

摘要

ABSTRACT: The fleshy, noncalcified, red alga Eucheuma arnoldii Weber-vanBosse is unique in its often close resemblance to the habits of certain types ofbranched coelenterate corals. The present study of the alga in three Philippineareas attempts to clarify its taxonomic relationships and presents ecological datadealing with its depth distributions, substrata preferences, standing crops, andcommunity associations. A new variety, E. arnoldii var. alcyonida, is described, andthe previously described taxa E. cupressoideum Weber-van Bosse and E. cupressoidett1nvar. verticillata Yamada are placed in synonomy with E. arnoldii var.arnoldii. Possible lines of more detailed, future research on this species aresuggested.