Polyides rotunda
| Polyides rotunda | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| (unranked): | Archaeplastida |
| Division: | Rhodophyta |
| Class: | Florideophyceae |
| Order: | Gigartinales |
| Family: | Polyidaceae |
| Genus: | Polyides |
| Species: | P. rotunda
|
| Binomial name | |
| Polyides rotunda C. A. Agardh (1822)
| |
Polyides rotundus is a species of small red marine alga in the family Polyidaceae.
Description
Polyides rotundus grows to 20 cm (7.9 in) in length, its cartilaginous, terete and branches two or thee times dichotomously. The branches are about 2 mm (0.079 in) in diameter. The holdfast is disc like. In colour it is purplish red.[1]
Habitat
Generally epilithic in rock pools in the littoral and upper sublittoral.[1]
Distribution
Generally distributed around Ireland, Great Britain, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.[2]
Reproduction
Polyides rotundus is dioecious. The spermatangial cells develop in swollen areas near the apiceas. Cystocarps develop near the apiceas.[1]The tetrasporangia are cruciate, that is cross-shaped.[3]
Similar species
Furcellaria lumbricalis (Hudson) Lamouroux is very similar but can be distinguished by the holdfast which has claw-like branches while that of Polyides being disc-like.[4]
References
- ^ a b c Dixon, P.S. and Irvine, L.M. 1977. Seaweeds of the British Isles Volume 1 Rhodophyta Part 1 Introduction, Nemaliales, Gigartinales British Museum (Natural History) ISBN 0-565-00781-5
- ^ Bunkern F.StP, D., Brodie, J.A., Maggs, C.A. and Bunker, Ann. R.2017. Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. Second Edition. Wild Nature Press, Plymouth.UK.ISBN 978-0-9955673-3-7
- ^ Newton,L. 1931 A Handbook of the British Seaweeds. British Museum (Natural History)
- ^ Jones, E.W. 1962. A key to the genera of the British seaweeds. Field Studies volume 1 no 4.pp1 - 32