In order to be validly published, a name of a new taxon of non-fossil algae published between 1 January 1958 and 31 December 2011, inclusive, must be accompanied by a Latin description or diagnosis or by a reference (see Art. 38.13) to a previously and effectively published Latin description or diagnosis.
As Art. 39.1 does not apply to names of algal taxa, a validating description or diagnosis (see Art. 38) in any language is acceptable for them prior to 1958.
Although Neoptilota Kylin (Gatt. Rhodophyc.: 392. 1956) was accompanied only by a description in German, it is a validly published name since it applies to an alga and was published before 1958.
A name of a new taxon of non-fossil algae of specific or lower rank published on or after 1 January 1958 is not validly published unless it is accompanied by an illustration or figure showing the distinctive morphological features, or by a reference to a previously and effectively published such illustration or figure.
Recommendation 44A
The illustration or figure required by Art. 44.2 should be prepared from actual specimens, preferably including the holotype.
