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Abstract
A morphological study of a large population of a small Euastrum species from a peat-pit in the Auvergne (France) revealed a very confusing taxonomy. A literature survey disclosed a gradual change in the concept of Euastrum sublobatum Bréb. in Ralfs by successive authors. The original diagnosis and illustrations are considered inadequate. Because no type material seems to have been preserved, it is proposed to reject E. sublobatum as a “nomen dubium” and to recognize the taxa E. brevisinuosum (Nordst.) stat. nov. and its variety E. brevisinuosum var. dissimile (Nordst.) comb. nov.
Some of the forms from the population were rather similar to E. elobatum (Lund.) Roy, while others in front view resembled E. crispulum (Nordst.) W. & G. S. West. The large number of intermediate forms gave reason to unite both species into E. elobatum. Because morphologically simpler forms were found, E. elobatum is considered a highly polymorphic species. The diagnosis is emended, and the observed polymorphism is discussed. In addition some ecological data are presented.