Polysiphonia ceramiaeformis

Polysiphonia ceramiaeformis, also called banded siphon weed,[1] is a small red algae (Rhodophyta), in the genus Polysiphonia. Individuals are irregularly branched with the branches extending up to 5.5 centimetres (2.2 in) from a central node and ending in dense tufts of fibres.[2]

Polysiphonia ceramiaeformis
Samples of Polysiphonia ceramiaeformis algae
Scientific classification Edit this classification
(unranked): Archaeplastida
Division: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Ceramiales
Family: Rhodomelaceae
Genus: Polysiphonia
Species:
P. ceramiaeformis
Binomial name
Polysiphonia ceramiaeformis
P.Crouan & H.Crouan

Description

This small red algae lacks a clearly to be seen main axis. Each branch is formed of axial cells with 10 - 12 periaxial cells of equal length, with forcipate incurved tips.[3] It is densely branched and attached by tangled prostrate axes. All axes are ecorticate. The rhizoids are numerous[2]

Reproduction

The plants are dioecious. The alga bears spermatangial branches on a cylindrical axis. Cystocarps are oval with a narrow ostiole. The tetraspores cells divide to forms cells in fours, these occur in a spiral series.[2]

Habitat

In pools at low water in sheltered sites.[2]

Distribution

Very rare on the British Isles.[4] Recorded from a few sites in Dorset,[5][2] also recorded from north west France and the Mediterranean.[2]

References
  1. "Algae Base: Polysiphonia ceramiiformis P.Crouan & H.Crouan". Retrieved 31 January 2017.
  2. 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 0-11-310045-0
  3. Jones, W.E. 1964(4) A key to the genera of the British seaweeds. Field studies (reprinted pp 1-32
  4. 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 0-9527115-16
  5. Batters, E.A.L. 1902. A Catalogue of The British Marine Algae. supplement to Journal of Botany 1902 pp.80 - 81


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