The identity of Porphyra columbina (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) originally described from the New Zealand subantarctic islands

A re-evaluation of Porphyra columbina, a red algae species originally described from the New Zealand subantarctic islands, reveals its primary distribution in cold temperate regions. This study combines morphological, anatomical, and genetic analyses (nSSU and rbcL sequence data) to clarify the species' identity, distinguishing it from similar forms found elsewhere in the southern hemisphere. Findings indicate that P. columbina is predominantly located in subantarctic islands such as Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, Chatham, and Falkland Islands, with rare occurrences on mainland New Zealand. The species exhibits a rosette to ovate growth form, typically under 5 cm in size, and distinct purple-red phyllospores and golden marginal areas of spermatangia. Five unique rbcL haplotypes were identified, with the most common haplotype shared across multiple subantarctic islands.

Nelson, W. A., & Broom, J. E. S. (2010). The identity of Porphyra columbina (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) originally described from the New Zealand subantarctic islands. Australian Systematic Botany, 23(1), 16–26. https://doi.org/10.1071/sb09032