Encrusting coralline algae are a major component of the rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones of the boreal northeastern Pacific (the region from northern California to southeast Alaska). We reexamined this coralline flora by comparing field and museum collections with type material in order to revise the taxonomy to conform with current concepts and to provide new, species specific, ecological data. Of the eight species previously recognized for this region, only Pseudolithophyllum neofarlowii, and Lithothamnion (formerly Lithothamnium) phymatodeum were correctly placed as to genus. Phymatolithon muricatum and Mesophyllum whidbeyense are referred here to the genus Pseudolithophyllum. Lithothamnion pacificum is merged into L. phymatodeum and Lithophyllum lichenare is merged into Pseudolithophyllum muricatum. Lithothamnion californicum and Hydrolithon decipiens were shown not to occur in the study area. Plants in this study area formerly identified as H. decipiens were originally and correctly described as Lithophyllum impressum. In addition, Hydrolithon decipiens is transferred to Pseudolithophyllum. Lithophyllum vancouveriense, previously considered conspecific with Lithophyllum whidbeyense, is now transferred to Mesophyllum. We describe one new species, Leptophytum adeyi. Ecological data are presented on distribution and biotic interactions (i.e. competition and herbivory) of these plants.
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Steneck et al. (1986) studied this question.