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
