Benthic algal flora of Cheradi Islands (Gulf of Taranto, Mediterranean Sea)

The results of a floristic study of the Cheradi Islands (Gulf of Taranto, Italy) are presented. The list of taxa consists of 218 Rhodophyceae, 32 Fucophyceae, 45 Chlorophyceae and 3 Cyanophyceae. Data on reproductive phenology of each species are given. Of particular interest is the finding of Ceramium graecum, Chondria polyrhiza, Laurencia glandulifera, and Polystrata fosliei. Some observations on phytobenthic communities are also reported, while also some notes on nomenclature are added (Ceramium cimbricum f. flaccidum, Ceramium nodulosum v. barbatum).