The unheeded existence of the tubular greens: molecular analyses reveal the distribution of a new Ulva species (Ulvophyceae, Chlorophyta), Ulva capillata sp. nov. in the Atlantic-Baltic Sea transect

Abstract The ubiquitous and species rich genus Ulva comprises entities of green macroalgae with variable morphologies. are important from ecological economic perspectives, but their identification is often problematic. Current knowledge on diversity has focused mainly foliose individuals temperate regions, genetic morphological data tubular insufficient the richness ambiguous due to lack molecularly identified type vouchers. Together a previous study, our study demonstrates that crypticity present in Atlantic-Baltic Sea transect, certain remained undetected until recently whereas molecular evidence other historically missing. An entity which appears be relatively frequent transect was probably mis-identified past here described as capillata sp. nov.. description based using tuf A rbcL sequences, by comparing species´ phylogenetic relationships, distribution range margins well morpho-anatomical characters, early ontogenetic development. By comparisons closely related potentially morphologically overlapping concepts we were able identify uniqueness U. . Therefore, new within supported combination molecular, morphological, ontogentic confirm comparison concepts. Furthermore, results strongly emphasize importance necessity investigate especially historic vouchers facilitate clear omit continuing taxonomic confusion ongoing misapplication names e.g. cryptic this algal genus.