First record of the genus D udresnaya ( D umontiaceae, R hodophyta) in N ew Z ealand waters

The genus D udresnaya is reported for the first time in N ew Z ealand waters. Samples were collected in B ay of Islands, northern N ew Z ealand, on rhodolith beds and at the edge of a rocky reef, between −5 and −10 m depth. The species was identified by morphological and anatomical characters as D udresnaya capricornica and its identity was confirmed by molecular sequence data. This species is characterized by terete radial branches, outer cortical cells cylindrical, presence of hexagonal crystals, lack of annulation and mucilage coat on auxiliary cell branches, oblique division of carpogonium and cystocarps no cleft. The rbc L phylogenetic analysis showed the genus D udresnaya is strongly supported and sister to taxa in the family D umontiaceae. This family is also closely related to the families R hizophillidaceae and Kallymeniaceae. This is the first record of the family D umontiaceae in N ew Z ealand.