A widespread cyanobacterium supported by polyphasic approach: proposition of Koinonema pervagatum gen. & sp. nov. (Oscillatoriales).

Several new genera originally classified as the genus Phormidium, a polyphyletic and taxonomically complex genus within the Oscillatoriales, were recently described. The simple morphology of Phormidium does not reflect its genetic diversity and the delimitation of a natural group is not possible with traditional classification systems based on morphology alone. Therefore, this study used morphological, ecological, and molecular approaches to evaluate four populations morphologically similar to Ammassolinea, Kamptonema, and Ancylothrix (simple, curved, and gradually attenuated at the ends trichome), found in subtropical and tropical Brazilian regions.