Amphora coffeaeformis (Agardh) Kützing: a revision of the species under light and electron microscopy

Amphora coffeaeformis (Agardh) Kützing is frequently found in brackish waters. However, different concepts of this species found in the literature lead to confusion with respect to its true identity. In this study Agardh’s type material from Carlsbad, as well as Kützing’s samples from the same locality, have been examined using light and electron microscopy to establish the true concept of A. coffeaeformis. Based on these materials and on a number of specimens identical to the type specimens found both locally and from foreign sources, a revised and comprehensive description of A. coffeaeformis is given and is fully illustrated with photographs and electron micrographs. In the light of this new description numerous apparently well authenticated materials were re-examined. Amphora salina W. Smith is confirmed as a synonym of A. coffeaeformis while A. aponina Kützing is regarded as a variety, A. coffeaeformis var. aponina comb. nov. Amphora Iineata Gregory and A. taylori Grunow are rejected as being synonymous although a close affinity to A. coffeaeformis is recognized. As a result of this study, the presence of A. coffeaeformis in southern Africa is confirmed although most of the present records under this name reflect another taxon, namely A. veneta var. capitata Haworth. Amphora coffeaeformis (Agardh) Kützing word dikwels in brakwater aangetref. Daar bestaan egter verwarring oor die ware identiteit van die spesie, as gevolg van die uiteenlopende beskouinge daaroor in die literatuur. In hierdie studie is Agardh se tipe-materiaal, asook Kützing se monsters, beide afkomstig van Karlsbad, lig- en elektronmikroskopies ondersoek om die ware identiteit van A. coffeaeformis te probeer vasstel. ’n Hersiene en omvattende beskrywing van A. coffeaeformis word gegee, gebaseer op hierdie monsters asook op verskeie voorbeelde wat identies is aan die tipes wat plaaslik en in die buiteland versamel is. Foto’s en elektronmikrograwe word ter illustrasie geplaas. Verskeie oënskynlik eg-verklaarde monsters is, met die oog op die nuwe beskrywing, herondersoek. Dit het geblyk dat Amphora salina W. Smith ’n sinoniem van A. coffeaeformis is, maar dat A. aponina Kützing ’n variëteit, A. coffeaeformis var. aponina comb. nov., daarvan is. Amphora Iineata Gregory en A. taylori Grunow, hoewel aanverwant, is nie sinonieme van A. coffeaeformis nie. Die studie het bewys dat A. coffeaeformis wel in suidelike-Afrika gevind word, hoewel die meeste optekeninge onder bespreking van die naam, ’n ander takson, naamlik A. veneta var. capitata Haworth is.