Cylindrospermum voukii and Wollea saccata, new records for algal flora of Iran

Cyanobacteria represent a small taxonomic group of photosynthetic prokaryotes which some of them are capable of N۲ fixation and also possess a tremendous potential for producing a wide range of secondary metabolites. It has been suggested that, some of these microorganisms, especially heterocystous cyanobacteria, assist higher plant growth by supplying growth stimulating substances. During a floristic study of algae in the terrestrial habitats of Iran, cyanobacterial taxa presented in natural habitats of a medicinal plant (Tanacetum parthenium), located in Lorestan province (Iran) is isolated and identified. Among identified taxa, two species, Cylindrospermum voukii, and Wollea saccata are reported as new records from Nostocaceae family in Iran. Beside description of the new taxa, general distribution, as well as camera lucida images are included herewith.  

Keywords:

Blue-green algae , cyanobacteria , diversity , Nostocaceae , terrestrial habitat