Growth pattern assessment in the genus Acanthophora (Rhodophyta, Ceramiales)

The results of a morphological study, mainly based on the growth pattern and shape of both apical zone and branch primordia of all terete species of Acanthophora are presented here. This study shows that species are mainly distinguished on the basis of developmental features such as monopodial vs. sympodial growth pattern and not by characters such as the presence or absence of spines on the main axes and the morphology of the stichidial ramuli previously generally used to distinguish the species of this genus, and which have proved to be of no diagnostic value. A key to the species of Acanthophora based on both the results of the present research and easily detectable characters is also proposed