Pinnularia schoelynckiana, a new limnoterrestrial diatom species (Bacillariophyta) from the sub-Antarctic Iles Kerguelen (southern Indian Ocean)

• Published in: Botany Letters
• Main Authors: Van de Vijver, Bart, Scholberg, Pieter, Lebouvier, Marc
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: Biology; Antarctic; Indian; Kerguelen; The Antarctic; Val Travers; Antarc*
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10067/1646800151162165141

Abstract: An unknown Pinnularia taxon was recorded during a survey of the limno-terrestrial diatom flora of some hot springs in the Val Travers area (Grande Terre, Iles Kerguelen, sub-Antarctic region). The morphology of the species was investigated using both light and scanning electron microscopy. Based on these results, the species could not be identified using the currently available literature and is therefore described as a new species: Pinnularia schoelynckiana sp. nov. The new species is characterized by rhombic-lanceolate valves, radiate, geniculate striae changing into strongly convergent near the apices and an undulating, lateral raphe. A detailed morphological comparison is made with similar Pinnularia species, described from the Antarctic Region and worldwide. Brief notes on the associated diatom flora and its ecology are added.