Molecular phylogenetics coupled to micro-morphological analyses of Arctic and Antarctic strains place Chamaepinnularia (Bacillariophyta) within the Sellaphoraceae
The diatom genus Chamaepinnularia was first published by Lange-Bertalot et Krammer in 1996 to accommodate several small species previously included within Navicula and Pinnularia. Despite its morphological similarity to those two genera, the family-level classification of Chamaepinnularia has been considered incertae sedis since its description almost three decades ago. We provide the first molecular characterisation (18S and rbcL) of the genus based on cultivated polar strains and investigated its phylogenetic placement. Molecular data are complemented with observations on living cells, as well as detailed examination of oxidized material with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The 12 investigated strains were morphologically identified as three taxa: two already described species (C. gerlachei, C. krookii) and one here newly described (C. australis sp. nov.). These species formed three separate, well-supported branches in the phylogeny. Our analyses placed Chamaepinnularia as a sister group to members of the Sellaphoraceae for which sequence data existed (i.e. Sellaphora, Fallacia, Rossia and Diprora). Based on the presence of hymenate areolae, a single H-shaped plastid with girdle appressed plates and the results of the phylogenetic trees, we propose the inclusion of Chamaepinnularia within the family Sellaphoraceae, which altogether form a supported monophyletic group. Our analyses furthermore confirm previous studies placing the genus Mayamaea into the Pinnulariaceae.