Taxonomic Investigation of Erythroglossum minimum Okamura and Sorella repens (Okamura) Hollenberg (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta)

The taxonomic criterion between Erythroglossum and Sorella was reappraised based on Korean plants of E. minimum Okamura and S. repens (Okamura) Hollenberg. Development of the reproductive organs was observed from field collected plants as well as cultured plants. The Polyneura-tuype procarp which comprised one group of sterile cells and two carpogonial branches arising from a supporting cell was observed in both species. Distribution of tetrasporangial sori was irregular in both species, so it is not relevant to distinguish Sorella from Erythroglossum by the characteristic of tetrasporangial distribution. E. minimum and S. repens were very similar in vegetative form, but were reproductively isolated. Chromosome numbers were given as n=ca. 30 in S. repens and n=ca. 41 in E. minimum, respectively.