Genus Gracilaria Greville (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) and its commercial importance are briefly described. An analysis of the taxon's history, since its first decription until today shows a constant and characteristic taxonomic unstability; an explanation for this is provided. These, together with the available data for Mexican shores, as an example, makes c1early evident the necesity of a historical research, previous to the monographic step, in order to establish which are the taxonomic problems to resolve, if present, and define properly the scope and logistics of subsecuents surveys.
Genus Gracilaria Greville (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) and its commercial importance are briefly described. An analysis of the taxon's history, since its first decription until today shows a constant and characteristic taxonomic unstability; an explanation for this is provided. These, together with the available data for Mexican shores, as an example, makes c1early evident the necesity of a historical research, previous to the monographic step, in order to establish which are the taxonomic problems to resolve, if present, and define properly the scope and logistics of subsecuents surveys.
