What is the correct name for the type of <i>Haematococcus</i> Flot. (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae)?

Abstract

Abstract The type of Haematococcus Flot. (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) accumulates astaxanthin in its dormant stage. Currently, only one species is recognized in the genus; however, it is referred to by two names: H. lacustris (Gir.‐Chantr.) Rostaf. and H. pluvialis Flot. This confusion arose partly because of misunderstanding over the nomenclature and partly because of inadequate descriptions of Volvox lacustris Gir.‐Chantr. and H. pluvialis . Here, we designate an epitype based on a single cryopreserved culture that supports the newly designated lectotype of V. lacustris . Our treatment objectively synonymizes the two names and designates the correct name for the type of Haematococcus as H. lacustris , not H. pluvialis . In addition, we provide light microscopy descriptions and ITS rDNA information regarding the strain related to the epitype.