Polysiphonia atlantica
Polysiphonia atlantica is a small filamentous species of red marine algae Rhodophyta. The thalli form small tufts up to 3 cm long. The axes are ecorticate consisting of axial cells surrounded by four periaxial cells.[1]
| Polysiphonia atlantica | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| (unranked): | Archaeplastida |
| Division: | Rhodophyta |
| Class: | Florideophyceae |
| Order: | Ceramiales |
| Family: | Rhodomelaceae |
| Genus: | Polysiphonia |
| Species: | P. atlantica |
| Binomial name | |
| Polysiphonia atlantica Kapraun & J.N.Norris | |
Description
Polysiphonia atlantica is a small alga 3 cm high and dark reddish-brown in colour. It grows in tufts from prostrate axes producing numerous erect branches all growing to the similar lengths. The axial cells are surrounded by 4 periaxial cells which are elongate to the same length as the axial cells which are ecorticate. Attached by rhizoids produced by the periaxial cells.[1]
Reproduction
The life history is a sequence of three phases: gametangial, carposporangial and tetrasporangial.[2] The plants are dioecious with spermatangial branchlets at the apices of the branches, cystocarps are slightly urceolate. The tetrasporangia occur the branches in a straight series.[1]
Habitat
Growing on rock, mussels other invertebrates or epiphytic. Between high and low water levels.[1][3]
Distribution
Records have been made from the British Isles- England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland, to Morocco, east coast of America and the Indian Ocean.[1] Most of the records from the British Isles are probably those of Polysiphonia stricta.[3]
References
- Maggs, C.A. and Hommersand, M.H. 1993 Seaweeds of the British Isles. Volume 1 Rhodophyta Part 3A Ceramiales. The Natural History Museum, London. ISBN 9781907807725
- Dixon, P.S. Biology of the Rhodophyta. p.187. Oliver & Boyd. ISBN 0-05-002485 X
- Hardy, F.G. and Guiry, M.D. 2003. A Check-list and Atlas of the Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. The British Phycological Society. ISBN 0952711516