Chara lipkinii (Charales, Charophyceae): a new dioecious Mediterranean species under risk of extinction in the wild and some implications for the taxonomy of the genus Chara

A new species, Chara lipkinii, was described based on specimens from the Mediterranean, Israel. Dioecy, 10-13 branchlets in a whorl, complete tylacanthous to isostichous displostichous axial cortex with very short solitary spine cells, hardly visible diplostephanous bistipulate obtuse stipulodes, frequently appearing as haplostephanous, combination completely ecorticate without initials and 1-3, mainly two nodes unilateral bract cells distinguish it species of date. Its morphological traits, which are most important infrageneric taxonomy by Wood, point towards its placement subsection Chara, rather than distant clustering both Grovesia. The oospore surface C. lipkinii showed no features allowing identification morphology only, but could be useful some species. According our analyses, genetic affinity rbcL ITS1 mostly does not support division genus traits. is freshwater brackish water growing small shallow inland bodies streams Eastern i.e., one threatened region. faces high risk extinction wild. It has disappeared all previously discovered localities, longer charophyte populations. gradual decline disappearance living plants recently locality were observed result heavy sediment accumulation eutrophication. Urgent action restore habitat needs taken.