Dictyota korowai sp. nov. (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) from Manawatāwhi/Three Kings Islands, northern New Zealand, previously confused with Dictyota intermedia

ABSTRACT

A new species of Dictyota (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae), formerly identified as D. intermedia, is described from Manawatāwhi/Three Kings Islands. Morphological and anatomical features, in addition to molecular sequence data, of specimens collected from Manawatāwhi and Rangitāhua/Kermadec Islands were compared and enabled us to confirm that D. intermedia is present at Rangitāhua and differs from specimens collected at Manawatāwhi. Dictyota korowai sp. nov. is endemic to Manawatāwhi and possesses distinctive morphological features including the development of tongue-like proliferations on both surfaces of the blades and a thickened midrib which extends from the base into the lower portion of the axes. The presence of D. sandvicensis on Rangitāhua is reported for the first time, a new record for the New Zealand macroalgal flora.

KEYWORDS:

• Dictyota korowai
• Dictyota sandvicensis
• Kermadec Islands
• New species
• Ngāti Kuri
• Rangitāhua

Acknowledgments

Research was undertaken consistent with Ngāti Kuri’s Pou Taiao Environmental Management 2018 and the Living Protocol agreement between Ngāti Kuri Trust Board and Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum. Samples were collected during the Manawatāwhi Three Kings Expedition in 2013 led by Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum. We would like to particularly thank all who participated in the Kōtuku Rōpū wānanga/forum in Ngataki, 2017; staff of Auckland Museum, particularly Tom Trnski (leader of the expeditions to the islands), Ewen Cameron and Dhahara Ranatunga (Auckland Museum Herbarium), and the staff of the Herbarium Te Papa; Erika MacKay for preparation of the plates; and Roberta D’Archino and Malcolm Francis for field photographs. We also extend our thanks and gratitude to the Ngāti Kuri Trust Board, Jerry Norman, Bruce Ngauma, Ben Waitai and the Kōtuku Rōpū for their support and guidance and for sharing their mātauranga o Ngāti Kuri.

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Additional information

Funding

Funding from the School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, and Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF), National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) is acknowledged with thanks.