The information about the diversity of representatives of the order Stigonematales Geitler in the flora of Ukraine are analyzed in the light of modern ideas about the taxonomy, ecology, phylogeny and position of the true branching forms in the system of heterocystous cyanoprocaryotes. Critical revision of historical and contemporary data on their findidngs in Ukraine revealed 14 species of true branching cyanobacteria belonging to seven genera and four families of monophyletic group Nostochophycidae. Family Hapalosiphonaceae is the most diverse (3 genera) followed by Stigonemataceae (2), Capsosiraceae and Symphyonemataceae (one genus and one species in each). Genus Stigonema C. Agardh ex Bornet & Flahault in Ukraine is represented by eight species of ten known in Europe; the rest contain one species each. Most of revealed species are subaerophytes, mostly occurring in the marsh ecosystems, three species are known as freshwater, and two species (Brachytrichia quoyi Bornet et Flahault and Mastigocoleus testarum Lagerh.) occur in the seas on limestones; the latter refers to a group of boring euendoliths. In Ukraine, very rare species were found: Capsosira brebissonii Kütz. ex Bornet & Flahault and Pulvinularia suecica Borzi are known in the world by single finds, Fischerella major Gomont was recorded in Europe only three times. Stigonema intermedium N. Kondrat. until now known only from Ukraine: the species first was described as the inhabitant of drying up sites of hypnum-sedge bogs in Western Polesie; later it was found again on dripping rocks in the Crimean Mountains.
Keywords: Stigonematales, Capsosira brebissonii, Pulvinularia suecica, Fischerella major, Stigonema intermedium, diversity, ecology, taxonomy, rare species, Ukraine
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