A floristic and biogeographic survey of the Synurophyceae from Southeastern Australia

The Synurophyceae are freshwater, golden-brown flagellates characterized by a cell covering of overlapping siliceous scales. Species-level identification usually requires electron microscopy of the scales, and numerous studies have demonstrated that most species of Synurophyceae have a worldwide distribution. Although algal endemism is suggested as relatively common in Australia, floristic investigations of the Synurophyceae in Australia are few in number, and southeastern Australia, in particular, is poorly represented in these studies. This study examines the Synurophyceae in south central Victoria, northeastern New South Wales, and southern, coastal Queensland in Australia. The sampled habitats include mountainous and boggy areas, temperate and subtropical rainforests, as well as pools, small ponds, lakes and reservoirs. Biogeographic and taxonomic information is emphasized. Eighty-six phytoplankton collections were made during June and July of 1996. Of these, 43 collections contain Synurophyceae. 18 Mallomonas taxa, 7 Synura taxa, Chrysodidymus synuroideus, Tessellaria volvocina, and 3 unknown scale types were observed. Five taxa are reported for the first time in Australia and one is reported for the first time since its initial description in western Australia.