Abstract
A new species, Neidium limuae Liu & Kociolek, is described from Limu Mountain, which is located in the middle part of the Hainan Province, China. The valves of this new species have a distinct linear outline with rostrate apices. The areolae forming the striae are externally covered by volate projections that show a reticulated design. These occluding projections may be branched, bifurcate or T-shaped. A detailed description of this new species is presented, based on light and scanning electron microscope observations. This is the first report of the genus Neidium Pfitzer from this Chinese province. A short review of research studies on Neidium in China complements this study, and a checklist of Neidium taxa previously reported from China is given.
Acknowledgements
We give special thanks to Xing Xiaoli and B. Karthick for sending important references. Two anonymous referees are acknowledged for their helpful comments.
Funding
This work was supported by National Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31100153, 31070183, 31270250). Science and Technology project of Heilongjiang Education Department (12521156), The support plan for young academic backbone in ordinary higher school of Heilongjiang Province (1253G031), Key project of Education Department in Heilongjiang Province (12521z011), Science and Technology innovative research team in higher educational institutions of Heilongjiang Province and Harbin Normal University (KJTD2011-2).