2026-01-16 PHYTOTAXA 2026 737(卷), 4(期), (214-224页)
This study describes a new diatom species of the genus Hantzschia Grunow 1877 from the Republic of Djibouti (Northeast Africa), investigated using light and electron microscopy and molecular phylogeny. Phylogenetic analysis based on concatenated datasets of partial nuclear-encoded SSU and LSU rDNA and plastid-encoded rbcL genes placed Hantzschia djiboutiensis sp. nov. in a distinct clade within a larger group containing H. amphioxys, H. stepposa, and H. belgica. Morphological analysis of the two strains from Djibouti using light and scanning electron microscopy revealed similarities to the aforementioned species, as well as differences in valve shape and dimensions, striae and fibulae count, and areolae density. Hantzschia djiboutiensis sp. nov., together with H. amphioxys, H. stepposa, and H. belgica, represents a group of Hantzschia species in which internal central raphe endings are deflected in opposite directions. Hantzschia djiboutiensis sp. nov. was found in a single temporary water body within a desert environment.