Hesperophycus and Silvetia members of the Fucaceae family (Fucales, Phaeophyta) in the Pacific coast of Mexico

A taxonomic and bibliographic revision of the family Fucaceae (Fucales, Phaeophyta) in Baja California is presented. Specimens housed in national and foreign herbaria were studied to obtain records and to corroborate their identification. Collecting trips were made along the western and eastern coasts of Baja California during 1990-1999. The family Fucaceae is represented by Hesperophycus californicus P.C. Silva, Silvetia compressa (J. Agardh) Serrao, Cho, Boo et Brawley and Silvetia compressa (J. Agardh) Serrao, Cho, Boo et Brawley subsp. deliquescens P.C. Silva, was concluded. All these taxa occur only on the western coast of the Peninsula. The southern limit of distribution of S. compressa is extended 12 Km from Punta Baja to Agua Blanca, Baja California. Morphological characters, reproductive phases, habitat, distribution, determination keys, and figures are included.