An earlier name for the Atlantic North American red alga Neoagardhiella baileyi (Solieriaceae, Gigartinales)

Abstract

The type specimen of Sphaerococcus subulatus C. Agardh has been examined and found to represent the slender form of Neoagardhiella baileyi (Harvey ex Kützing) Wynne & Taylor known from the northeastern United States. As C. Agardh's date of publication antedates that of Rhabdonia baileyi Harvey ex Kützing, a new combination is called for. A case is made to restore the generic name Agardhiella Schmitz rather than Neoargardhiella Wynne & Taylor, and Agardhiella subulata (C. Agardh) Kraft & Wynne comb. nov. is adopted. Data accompanying the type specimen are imprecise, indicating someone named ‘Pott’ as collector and ‘Canadian Seas’ as the collection locality. Attempts are made to trace the provenance of the specimen, and evidence is given to establish its identity on morphological grounds with Agardhiella.