Estudo sobre a diversidade de macroalgas, sua caracterização, ilustração taxonómica e descrição dos seus habitats nas zonas norte e sul de Moçambique

Abstract

The diversity and taxonomic characterisation of the macroalgae in the northern and southern zones of Mozambique was studied with the aid of the Herbarium collections, field visits and literature. The work foresaw a study visit to Inhaca Island, Ponta do Ouro and Pemba City. However, it was limited to Inhaca Island only, although the collections of other locations (Ponta do Ouro and Pemba) were also consulted. This study was complemented by illustrations and the respective descriptions of morphology, habitat, distribution in the country (north and south zones) and in other regions of the world, and their importance to humans. 246 taxa of macrolagas were identified, of which 235 species were counted, grouped in 76 Chlorophytas, 37 Phaeophytas and 122 Rhodophytas. In this work, 37 species of the Cyanophyta division were also described. Other taxa include varieties (var.) and forms (f.). Of the sites studied, rocky platforms showed the highest species diversity. Macroalgae, besides playing an important ecological role in aquatic systems, are used as human food, fertilizer, thickener in industries (food, cosmetic, textile and pharmaceutical). This study contributes to the knowledge of the diversity and characteristics of macroalgae in the northern and southern zones of Mozambique, as well as their importance.