A Baseline Summary and Analysis of the Taxonomic Biodiversity of Coralline Red Algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) Recorded from the New Zealand Region

A baseline summary and analysis of taxonomic information on coralline red algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) for the New Zealand region (including island groups currently under New Zealand jurisdiction) is provided. Of the 80 species and infraspecific taxa recorded, twenty-nine are based on New Zealand types, but the status of 20 of these 29 is uncertain because the types have not been re-examined in a modern context. Approximately half of the taxa based on types from elsewhere are known to be distinct species in a modern context, but the occurrence of most of these in the New Zealand region requires confirmation. For each taxon reported from the New Zealand region, published records are summarised, and information on the type and type locality are provided along with pertinent comments and nomenclatural notes. There are no modern monographic studies of New Zealand Corallinales; the true species biodiversity for the region remains unknown; and in most cases, it is not possible at present to identify New Zealand region specimens to species level using past publications for the region.