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The funoran-producing red macroalga, Gloiopeltis, is known for its commercial uses. Since the economic value of Gloiopeltis is species-dependent, accurate species identification using molecular analysis such as DNA barcoding is important to obtain species-level identification and reveals the hitherto undiscovered biodiversity in Gloiopeltis. In this study, we investigated Gloiopeltis complanata specimens from various locations across Japan and Korea to confirm their relationships with specimens from the type locality in Japan. We employed a combination of molecular analyses using mitochondrial COI-5P as DNA barcoding and plastid rbcL markers, as well as detailed morphological examination of reproductive structures. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of two deeply divergent clades with nucleotide difference of 16.8-17.5% in COI-5P and 6.3-6.8% in rbcL, respectively. The difference in the position of reproductive structure in thallus further supported the subdivision of the Japanese and Korean specimens. As a result, we describe a new species, Gloiopeltis frutex sp. nov., based on the Korean specimens characterized by caespitose and subcylindrical to compressed thallus, slightly flexuous siphonous axis, cruciately divided tetrasporangia scattered over thallus, and slightly swollen cystocarps on proliferations. The results also suggest the necessity of further studies aimed at examining full spectrum of genetic diversity manifested in species of the family Endocladiaceae in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Hypnea has been known in New Zealand for a long time but identification to species level has been difficult as only fragmentary and sterile material has been available for study and thus the genus has remained poorly known. Recently large amounts of Hypnea were collected in northern New Zealand enabling DNA sequencing and the presence of two species was confirmed: Hypnea flexicaulis which represents a new record for New Zealand, and Hypnea cornuta which was previously known from fragmentary material. Both of these species are regarded as introduced in other regions of the world. The new species described in this paper as Calliblepharis psammophilus was identified in the field as a species of Hypnea but morphological observations and molecular data confirmed it does not belong to this genus. It is characterized by caespitose thalli with irregularly branched terete axes and with tapering or curved tips, the axial cell enclosed by 5-7 pericentral cells, cortical cells packed tightly and not forming 'rosettes' in surface view. The gonimoblast filaments originate from a fusion cell and develop outwardly in chains. This species is currently known from a single location in the North Island (south eastern coast), New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]