Systematics and Taxonomic Keys for the Marine Green Algal Family Monostromataceae

Abstract

Marine green algal family Monostromataceae consists of single cell-layered green seaweeds distributed throughout the world, yet identification of it being one of the most challenging. Monostromatic green seaweeds are all edible and are commercially cultivated in Japan for centuries. A thorough understanding of its systematics is indeed a necessity for any empirical investigation. Working dichotomous taxonomic key for this family is presented for the first time for the ready benefit of field phycologists. Recent advances in the systematics of this family with a special emphasize on the Japanese varieties are also presented.