Environmental and Experimental Biology (2020) 18: 21–27

Original Paper
http://doi.org/10.22364/eeb.18.04

Preliminary studies on Kumanoa zeylanica

(Batrachospermales, Batrachospermaceae)
reported from the Western Ghats of India ISSN 2255-9582

U. Elaya Perumal, R. Sundararaj*

Department of Botany, Government Arts College for Men (Autonomous), Affiliated to University of
Madras, Nandanam, Chennai 600035, India

*Corresponding author, E-mail: sundaralgae@gmail.com

Abstract

The Western Ghats are among the biodiversity hot spots of India, in which certain regions have been earlier studied for red algal
diversity. Keeping this in mind, the Western Ghats and its associated areas were surveyed, which revealed the presence of many fresh
water red algae species, including Kumanoa zeylanica from Coorg District of Karnataka State. The alga identified in the present study
was earlier reported from the same state but 350 km (north) towards Belagavi, Karnataka. Morphological data of the current specimen
showed more than 95% similarity with the species K. zeylanica in cluster analysis. Morphological characters like a distinct centrally
inserted carposporophyte and contorted carpogonial branches allowed to categorize the alga under the genus Kumnaoa. Morphological
and morphometric data on the carposporophyte, carposporangium, trichogyne, spermatia, and fascicle cells are very similar to that of
the K. zeylanica reported by Balakrishnan and Chaugule in 1980.

Key words: freshwater algae, morphology, red algae, taxonomy.

Introduction & Chaugule was earlier described from the Jog falls of
Karnataka state, India (Balakrishnan, Chaugule 1980b).
Red algae (Rhodophyta), which are found outside marine This species was later renamed to Kumanoa zeylanica (Skuja
environments, are referred to as freshwater red algae. Even ex Balakrishnan & Chaugule) Ganesan & West based on a
though the majority of the freshwater red algae occur in recent literature survey (Ganesan, West 2013).
lotic environments like streams and rivers, a few members Even though the studies on Indian Batrachospermaceae
have been discovered in lentic environments such as lakes started relatively early in 1862, further contributions to this
and ponds (Sheath, Hambrock 1990; Sheath et al. 1992), or group are limited. Therefore, the present study was aimed
in some unusual habitats like sloth hairs (Wujek, Timpano to investigate the Batrachospermaceae members from
1986), caves (Nagy 1965; Hoffmann 1989), soils (Geitler various parts of southern India. The survey in the Western
1932), and extreme environments like hot water springs Ghats resulted in a large number of Batrachospermaceae
(Doemel, Brock 1971). Kumanoa is one of the recently members, including K. zeylanica from Coorg District,
elevated genera of freshwater red algae (Entwisle et al. Karnataka, India.
2009). It was raised to the generic level from the section of
Batrachospermum, the largest genus of freshwater red algae.
Study of members of the family Batrachospermaceae Materials and methods
in India started as early as 1862, when Krempelhuber
found Batrachospermum vagum (Roth) C. Agardh in South Study area
Andaman, India (Krempelhuber 1869). Biswas (1949) The present study was carried out on algae collected
described the same species from Meghalaya. Later many from Karugunda village, located between Madikeri and
species were published under the genus Batrachospermum, the Talacauvery Road, Coorg District of Karnataka State,
in particular, from section Contorta of Batrachospermum India (N 12.355620, E 75.650069; Fig. 1). Environmental
(Balakrishnan, Chaugule 1980a; Balakrishnan, Chaugule parameters such as pH (portable pH meter), air and
1980b; Balakrishnan, Chaugule 1980c; Baluswami, Babu water temperature using thermometer, and light intensity
1999). Nomenclatural changes on all the reported species of (Portable HTC Digital Lux Meter) were recorded randomly
section Contorta were performed by Ganesan, West (2013). from different sites of the stream (8 to 10 points within the
Batrachospermum zeylanicum Skuja ex Balakrishnan place where red alga was growing) during the collection

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U. Elaya Perumal, R. Sundararaj

Fig. 1. Map with location of sampling site and the major running water sources in study area.

period. The light intensity was measured by placing the known species were obtained from various literature
lux meter towards the sky above the algal growing sites. sources including monographs and the article in which the
Some environmental factors (climate and disturbances to species were originally described.
the habitat) were obtained by physical observation and
communicating with local residents. Results

Collection and preservation Conditions at study site

Samples were collected in plastic containers from the fast- The collected algae specimens were attached to rocks in the
flowing streams from January 2015 to September 2016. fast-flowing stream at depth 0.6 m. The algae were not found
The samples were preserved by both dry and wet method. growing on other plants or dead material. The collection
In the wet method, the specimen was preserved in 4% location was visited once every four-months between 13:00
formaldehyde. Herbaria specimens were made in the dry to15:00 throughout the study period (Table 1). The average
method and tagged as sample No. CRG20. When possible, values of pH, air and water temperature, and light intensity
live samples were brought to the laboratory for further are given in Table 1.
studies.
Description of specimen
Observation and identification The algae specimens were abundantly growing in the
Samples were stained with methylene blue and alcian blue stream, attached to submerged rocks (Fig. 2A) with
and mounted in 50% glycerin. Cotton blue-lacto phenol well-developed rhizoids. The thallus was moderately
was also used as a staining medium for a few observations. mucilaginous, brownish-green to dark brown, and 4 to 13
Observation and photography was made at the HoverLabs cm in length (Fig. 2B). Branching was monopodial. The
Research Photomicroscopic Unit. Standard monographs apical portion of the thallus was dome-shaped, with non-
and research articles were used for identification protruding, cylindrical-shaped apical cells (Fig. 1D), which
(Balakrishnan, Chaugule 1980a; Desikachary et al 1990; divided transversely to produce axial cells. The length of the
Kumanoa 2002; Entwisle et al. 2009; Salomaki et al. 2014). apical cell ranged from 5.60 to 7.30 µm, and the width was
4.75 to 6.20 µm. The axial cell was 184.00 to 698.20 µm in
Cluster analysis length and 45.70 to 59.50 µm in width. Periaxial cells were
Morphology-based cluster analysis was done using present at the tip of each axial cell.
Biodiversity Professional Statistical Software (McAleece The number of periaxial cells were 2 to 8 per axial cell,
et al 1997). Every character used was estimated for more globular to oval in shape and situated at every nodal region.
than fifteen observations and the mean data was used in The periaxial cells were 13.70 to 22.00 µm in length and
the cluster analysis. The morphological data for the already 8.60 to 19.30 µm in width, and produced primary fascicles,

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 Kumanoa zeylanica from the Western Ghats of India

Table 1. Summary of field data for the study period

Parameter December – April – May August – December – April – May August –

January 2015 2015 September January 2016 2016 September
2015 2016
Availability of alga Present with Alga not found Juvenile plants Present with Alga not found Juvenile plants
rich population observed rich population observed
Presence of water Present Present Present Present Present Present
Level of water on 90 ± 2 35 ± 2 100 ± 2 60 ± 2 30 ± 2 120 ± 2
stream (cm)
Flow Moderately fast Normal flow Heavy flow Moderately fast Normal flow Heavy flow
flowing flowing
Water quality Clean Slightly turbid Slightly turbid Clean Slightly turbid Slightly turbid
pH 7.2 ± 0.1 7.8 ± 0.1 7.5 ± 0.1 7.5 ± 0.1 8 ± 0.1 7.8 ± 0.1
Water temperature (°C) 22 ± 2 31 ± 2 24 ± 2 23 ± 2 28 ± 2 23 ± 2
Air temperature (°C) 24 ± 2 33 ± 2 27 ± 2 26 ± 2 31 ± 2 25 ± 2
Light intensity (µmol 222 ± 5 444 ± 5 148 ± 5 296 ± 5 555 ± 5 148 ± 5
m–2 s–1)
Climate Often cloud Hot sun Cloudy and Sun Hot sun Rain (showering
forms sometimes rain all the time)
Disturbance Washing of Washing of No washing, Washing of Washing of No washing, but
cloths and cloths and but bathing cloths and cloths and bathing obse
bathing bathing observed bathing bathing
Other plants or algae Red algae and a Bryophytes Red algae Red algae and Bryophytes Red algae
on the rocks small amount of bryophytes
bryophytes

the carpogonial branch, and cortical filaments. From each was produced from each spermatangium, which is released
periaxial cell, 1 to 3 laterals (rarely 4) were seen. Each by the apical slit of the persistent spermatangial wall (Fig.
primary lateral was 6 to 12 cells long, and the cells were 3C). Carpogonial branches were present on the nodal
cylindrical to ellipsoidal shaped (Fig. 2F), 15.10 to 38.00 µm region and initiated from the periaxial cells (Fig. 3D &
in length and 4.10 to 7.10 µm in width. The cells at the tip of F) and rarely from the cortical cell (Fig. 3F; Fig. 4A). The
the primary fascicles were short, ovoid to elliptical in shape, carpogonial branches were 8 to 13 celled, barrel-shaped,
15.30 to 19.30 µm in length and 5.3 to 7.3 µm in width. At spirally coiled and generally 1 to 3 coils were observed.
the tip of primary fascicle, hairs with a bulbous base (10.10 Bracteae were one to three celled and well developed. The
to 25.70 µm length) were rarely seen. Primary glomeruli carpogonial branch terminated with carpogonium, which
were globular or disc-shaped and confluent in most of the was hidden inside the coiled carpogonial branch cells, and
thallus (Fig. 2C & E). The diameter of the whorls ranged only the trichogyne was visible protruding outside the coil
between 472.70 to 631.30 µm. The cortical cell originated (Fig. 3D, E & F).
from the periaxial cells; the periaxial cells had 12.50 to The carpogonium was hemispherical to conical (Fig.
39.60 µm length and 3.40 to 7.00 µm width. The secondary 3D) in shape and measured 6.70 to 7.30 µm in length
laterals initiated from the cortical cells. Secondary fascicles and 5.80 to 6.40 µm in width. The trichogyne was stalked,
were always absent in the growing region (younger part) ellipsoid to obovoid (Fig. 3D & F) with 12.50 to 24.20
of the thallus. The cell shape of the secondary fascicles µm length and 7.40 to 12.10 µm width. Many spermatia
was similar to that of the primary fascicle. They were less were adhered at the tip of the trichogyne, but only one
branched compared to primary fascicles. The branches succeeded and took part in effective fertilization. Soon
were 4 to 10 long with cells 13.30 to 26.60 µm in length and after fertilization a carposporophyte developed, which was
3.60 to 6.30 µm in width. spherically shaped with diameter up to 303.20 µm (Fig. 4B).
Generally, plants were monoecious with spermatangia It was centrally inserted in whorls and consisted of tightly
and carpogonia produced on the same thallus. Spermatangia packed gonimoblast filaments and carposporangium (Fig.
were observed at the apical or subapical position of both 4C & D).
primary and secondary laterals (Fig. 3A & B). They were The gonimoblast filaments were branched, 2 to 6
globular in shape, mostly present in pairs or single with cells long, 13.30 to 25.30 µm in length and 4.30 to 7.90
diameter between 5.10 and 8.40 µm. A single spermatium µm in width. Carposporangia were terminal in position

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U. Elaya Perumal, R. Sundararaj

Fig. 2. A, habitat; B, habit; C, primary whorls and carposporophyte (red arrow); D, tip portion with non-protruding apical cell (red
arrow); E, enlarged vegetative part showing whorls and branching; F, enlarged view of primary fascicle cells.

Fig. 3. A, spermatangia on primary fascicle (red arrow); B, spermatangia on secondary fascicle (red arrow), short hair (blue arrow); C,
hairs on primary fascicle cells (red arrow), persisting spermatangial wall (blue arrow); D, carpogonial branch with carpogonium (blue
arrow), stalked (red arrow) trichogyne (green arrow); E, contorted carpogonial branch initiated from a periaxial cell (red arrow); F,
carpogonial branch initiated from cortical filament cells (red arrow), with trichogyne (blue arrow).

and obovoid (Fig. 4C & D). They produced carpospores, plants were microscopic in nature with prostrate and erect
which on germination grew into tetrasporophytes. The filaments (Fig. 4C & F). The cells of erect filament cells were
carposporangium was 12.50 to 21.60 µm in length and 10.80 26.20 to 50.20 µm in length and 7.6 to 11.60 µm in width.
to 13.50 µm in width. In the present study, monospores were The tip of the erect filament had a phialide-like cell, which
not observed in the gametophytic plant. Tetrasporophytic further divided and formed the elimination cells and the

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 Kumanoa zeylanica from the Western Ghats of India

Fig. 4. A, carpogonial branches arising just below the periaxial cell (red arrow) from a cortical cell; B, primary whorl with centrally
inserted carposporophyte (red arrow); C, gonimoblast filaments (green arrow) with terminating carposporangium (red arrow); D,
enlarged view of carposporangium with a single carpospore; E, tetrasporophyte filaments; F, tetrasporophyte filaments with a phialide-
like cell with initial division (red arrow).

gametophyte above that. In this study, phialide-like cells state but 350 km south of the site for the type location. The
with the first division in erect filaments (Fig. 4F). similarities and dissimilarities between both collections are
as follows. The type specimen has 9 cm length whereas the
Discussion present specimens (hereafter referred to as CRG 20) have 6
to 13 cm length. Both were moderately mucilaginous and
The genus Kumanoa (Batrachospermaceae) has the following irregularly branched (Balakrishnan, Chaugule 1980). The
distinct characters by which it can be easily discriminated plant body was monoecious. Spermatangia were produced
from the other genera of the Batrachospermaceae terminally on both primary and secondary fascicles, and
(Entwisle et al. 2009; Salomaki et al. 2014). The production diameter measured 7.5 µm in the type specimen whereas
of condensed carposporophytes proves that it does not in CRG 20 it was 8.4 µm. The size of the whorls was 580
belong to genus Sirodotia or Nothocladus (Kumano 2002). µm in the type specimen while for CRG20 it was 616
The growth of the gonimoblast filament from the mass of µm in diameter, which is quite similar. The carpogonial
fusion cells called placenta is the characteristic feature of branch consisted of 13 barrel-shaped cells, which is
the genus Tuomeya, which is not observed in the present the primary character that confirms the species as K.
specimens (Kumano 2002). Absence of heterocortication, zeylanica (Balakrishnan, Chaugule 1980). Apart from that,
presence of compactly agglomerated corposporphyte the trichogyne, which plays a vital role in identification,
and spirally coiled carpogonial branch confirm that was distinctly stalked in both collections, with length
the present specimens belong to genus Kumanoa and 23 µm and 24.10 µm in the type specimen and CRG 20,
not Batrachospermum or Sheathia (Entwisle et al. 2009; respectively. Other notable characters are the nature of the
Salomaki et al. 2014). carposporophyte and carposporangia. In the type specimen
Regarding species, the descriptions agree with all the shape of the carposporangia was ellipsoid to obovoid,
the characters of K. zeylanica [(Skuja ex Balakrishnan et. 14 to 22 µm in diameter, while in CRG20 it was obovoid
Chaugule 1980a) Ganesan et. West, 2013]. K. zeylanica and 13.5 to 21.6 µm in diameter. The carposporophyte was
has been already reported from the Karnataka State inserted in the center of the whorls and generally remained
(Balakrishnan, Chaugule 1980a). After more than three single with diameter up to 303 µm in both collections.
decades, the same alga has been recollected from the same In addition to the above characters, the presence of the

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U. Elaya Perumal, R. Sundararaj

Fig. 5. Cluster diagram showing the similarity between K. zeylanica and CRG 20.

carpogonial branch at the internodal region was also Conclusions

observed, i.e., the carpogonial branch was produced from
the cortical filament cells. Further detailed study on the The Western Ghats of India is found to be a common
type specimen will justify this character. This character location for members of fresh water red algae. A detailed
occurs in Kumanoa jolyi [(Nechi) Nechi & M.L. Vis] Nechi morphometric analysis of collections from the Karnataka
and Vis (2012), but this species has more dissimilarities State (Western Ghats region) confirmed that the alga is
than the K. zeylanica: obconic, pear-shaped, barrel-shaped Kumanoa zeylanica, which has been already reported from
or spherical whorls; curved primary fascicles with cell- the same state. The study revealed that this alga is present
storeys up to 20; abundant secondary fascicle covering in other places of Western Ghats and further detailed study
entire internode; cylindrical unstalked trichogyne; 6 to on the Western Ghats is needed to examine the diversity
10 celled carpogonial branch; carposporophyte up to 450 of this alga. The present collections were collected from
µm in diameter; carposporangia with 14 µm length and 11 a fast-flowing forest stream. Even though the stream has
µm width. These are the main features that confirm that water throughout the year, the alga was not observed
CRG20 is K. zeylanica, not K. jolyi. The morpho-taxonomic during summer, which shows that this season is not ideal
cladogram developed using Biodiversity Pro software also for growth. The temperature of the water and atmosphere is
supports this result. The similarities between K. zeylanica high compared to other seasons, and the high light intensity
and CRG 20 are maximum; hence both arose from sister is also an influencing factor. The pH of the water is also
clades (Fig. 5). In the present specimen, the tetrasporophytes slightly high during summer, which can play a significant
had phialide-like cells, which produced the elimination role in algal growth. The best time to collect this alga is
cells and gametophyte (Balakrishnan, Chaugule 1975). between November and January, but this depends on the
Seasonal variations are environmental factors that beginning and end of the rainy season. The description
mostly influence the algal communities (Necchi-Júnior, of K. zeylanica has been updated with the presence of the
Pascoaloto 1993). Variations are associated with rainfall, carpogonial branch in the intermodal region.
turbidity and water flow are the most important factors
that affect the algal community of particular regions Acknowledgements
(Necchi-Júnior et al. 1991; Necchi-Júnior, Pascoaloto,
1993). The repeated visits to the sampling site showed that We thank Mr. U. Sivaraj, and Mr. U. Ramachandran for their
financial support for the research scholar. We express our gratitude
the specimens were present only in the monsoon, post-
towards Prof. B.B. Chaugule, Former Head Department of Botany,
monsoon and winter seasons and absent in summer, which
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, for his continuous support
is a common feature of the Batrachospermaceae members. and research knowledge sharing in fresh water red algae.
Most of the members of Batrachospermaceae have been
collected during the monsoon and winter periods only
(Branco et. al. 2008).

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 Kumanoa zeylanica from the Western Ghats of India

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Received 4 February 2020; received in revised form 25 February 2020; accepted 10 March 2020

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