Nomenclatural validation of the genetically revised cyanobacterial genus Dolichospermum (RALFS ex BORNET et FLAHAULT) comb. nova.

The traditional cyanobacterial genus Anabaena is heterogeneous, as follows from the modern molecular evaluation. The cluster of planktic Anabaena-morphotypes with gas vesicles in cells must be separated as a unique generic entity from the typical benthic mat-forming species. In the present articles all planktic morphospecies are transferred into the new genus Dolichospermum in agreement with Botanical nomenclatoric rules. The name "Dolichospermum" is based on a taxonomic category of section in starting point publication (B ornet & f la H ault 1888), which is valid for heterocytous cynobacteria.