Litophyton, Forskal, 1775

Van Ofwegen, Leen P., 2020, The genus Litophyton Forskål, 1775 (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Nephtheidae) from Australia, Zootaxa 4764 (1), pp. 1-131 : 5-6

Key to the species of Litophyton group I (10 species)

1. Polyps higher than wide.............................................................................. L. cockburnensis

-. Polyps wider than high............................................................................................ 2

2. At least some supporting bundle spindles with a smooth terminal spine............................................... 3

-. No supporting bundle spindles with smooth spine present.......................................................... 5

3. Only rods present in polyp stalk................................................................. L. myrmidonensis

-. Ovals and rods present in polyp stalk.......................................................................... 4 -.

4. Supporting bundle projecting up to 0.80 mm, many rods in polyp stalk..................................... L. rowleyensis

-. Supporting bundle projecting up to 0.30 mm, few rods in polyp stalk................................. L. pseudorowleyensis 5. Some supporting bundle spindles with leafy end.......................................................... L. graafae

-. Supporting bundle spindles with spiny end...................................................................... 6

6. Some point spindles project beyond the polyp head...................................................... L. projectum

-. No projecting point spindles................................................................................. 7

7. Interior stalk spindles with blunt ends present............................................................ L. dipensis

-. No interior stalk spindles with blunt ends....................................................................... 8

8. Many interior stalk spindles with side branches......................................................... L. elfordensis

-. No or few interior stalk spindles with side branches............................................................... 9

9. Internal spindles very big, up to 2 mm long........................................................... L. daviesensis

-. Most internal spindles only up to about 1 mm long, occasionally up to 1.5 mm, but never 2.00 mm............... L. spinulosum