On the taxonomic position of Prionitis lyallii Harvey forma gladiata Setchell, sensu Levring from Chile (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta)

Abstract

The taxonomic identity of the taxa Prionitis lyallii forma gladiata Setchell, reported by Levring from Chiloé on the Chilean coast is reviewed in base to the vegetative and reproductive characters. In brief, this taxa agree well in those characters with Prionitis, genus, although its taxonomic position under the species Prionitis lyalii Harvey from the Pacific coast of North America, actually included under the species P. sternbergii (C. Agardh) J. Agardh, requires a confirmation. The taxonomic relation of this taxa with the species P. lyalli Harvey f. gladiata Setchell, also from the Pacific coast of North America is discussed.