A collections-based approach to the species and their distribution based on the bladed Bangiales (Rhodophyta) of Iceland

An assessment of the 11 species of bladed Bangiales from Iceland in a collection of approximately 1770 specimens collected between 1883 and 2013 was undertaken by combining results from molecular analysis with examination of morphological variation in order to determine their distribution in detail. Seven of the species grow all around Iceland. Of the remaining four species, Porphyra linearis, P. dioica and Pyropia leucosticta have their northern limit of distribution along the southwestern and western part of the country, and Pyropia thulaea, an arctic species, only grows at the eastern coast, which is the coldest part of the coastline. Detailed reliable records of species distribution are important to detect future changes in the flora due to anthropogenic or natural environmental changes and have implications for conservation policy.