A new flattened species of Gracilaria (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) from Taiwan

A new, flattened species of Gracilaria, G. huangii, is described from southern Taiwan in the warm water region of the west Pacific Ocean. Gracilaria huangii is mainly characterized by numerous lobes or bladelets along the margins and on the surface of the blades, and a lack or near absence of tubular nutritive cells. The molecular analysis based on the plastid encoded rbcL gene of the flattened species with spiny margins and the textorii -type spermatangial conceptacles supports the proposal of this new species.