Four new European Achnanthidium species (Bacillariophyceae)

Researchers have identified four new species of the diatom genus Achnanthidium from European environments, including one discovered within the unique Laurisilva forest ecosystem on Madeira. These species—Achnanthidium hoffmannii, Achnanthidium acerosum, Achnanthidium ertzii, and A. tepidaricola—were distinguished based on morphological traits such as valve shape, areolae structure, and apical characteristics. Notably, A. ertzii was found in moss vegetation within the Laurisilva's dense, laurel forest, highlighting the region's biodiversity. The study employed light microscopy (LM) to analyze samples from oligotrophic rivers in Sweden, a greenhouse in Belgium, and the Madeira forest, providing detailed descriptions that differentiate these species from existing ones. This discovery expands the known diversity of European diatoms and contributes to our understanding of microalgal ecology in distinct habitats.

Van de Vijver, B., Jarlman, A., Lange-Bertalot, H., Mertens, A., de Haan, M., & Ector, L. (2011). Four new European Achnanthidium species (Bacillariophyceae). Algological Studies, 136-137, 193–210. https://doi.org/10.1127/1864-1318/2011/0136-0193