Biosystematics of the cryptogamic flora of New Zealand: Algae

Abstract

The groups of organisms included in the algae and their extensive diversity are discussed. The algae of New Zealand can be divided into three main ecological-morphological groups: the freshwater algae of which we have about 2080 species, the marine micro-algae with approximately 700 species and the marine macro-algae, the best known group, with about 900 species.

The present knowledge of the marine macro-algae is reviewed. The current marine algal Floras are not complete and are inadequate for positive identification of many species. Much taxonomy remains to be done. Few studies on the biogeography, life history, cytology, ultrastructure, and ecology of marine algae have been completed.

Marine micro-algae and freshwater algae are similarly not well documented. Although checklists exist for some of these algal groups, critical taxonomy and Flora writing is still required to assist with identifications.

Recent studies on the chemical analysis of algae for agars and carrageenans, the testing of compounds that have anti-bacterial and antiviral activity, and the toxins of poisonous algae are summarised. The necessity to study taxonomically both marine and freshwater microalgae and to monitor the conditions of growth, particularly of toxic algal blooms which inevitably have economic importance, is emphasised.

Keywords:

• freshwater algae
• marine algae
• taxonomy
• biogeography
• ecology
• life histories
• chem-otaxonomy
• New Zealand