First records of subaerial cyanobacteria and chlorophytes from Penang Hill.

During the Penang Hill BioBlitz of October 2017, our survey team collected 16 morphospecies of subaerial algae for the first time from tree bark, branches and leaves, including tree tops. These collections included seven morphospecies of blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) and nine morphospecies of green algae (Chlorophytes). Ten morphospecies were encountered in field specimens, while the remaining six were subsequently identified in cultures originating from the study site. Chlorococcales, Klebsormidiales, and Trentepohliales were the most widespread and commonly reported chlorophytes on various surfaces of the different tree species examined. Nostocales were the most widespread and dominant cyanobacteria at the study site. These first-time records of cyanobacteria and chlorophytes from Penang Hill, Malaysia, provide important baseline data for future studies.

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