Apoglossum ruscifolium explained

Apoglossum ruscifolium is a small red marine seaweed.

Description

Apoglossum ruscifolium has branched monostromic blades growing to 10 cm long.^[1] The axis branches with primary blades reaching 10 cm long and up to 0.8 cm wide, each with a clear midrib and pointed apices. Lateral veins are microscopic. The species is similar to Membranoptera alata and Hypoglossum hypoglossoides but can be clearly distinguished. The branches of H. hypoglossoides are clearly pointed and the young blades of M.alata are not pointed and are asymmetric with pincer-like tips.^[1]

Reproduction

Microscopic sori are formed are microscopic and are formed on either side of the midrib. Female cystocarps occur singly on the frond.^{[2] [1]}

Distribution

Recorded all around Great Britain and Ireland including Shetland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. Norway to the Mediterranean, the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Maggs,C.A. and Hommersand, M.H.1993 Seaweeds of the British Isles Volume 1 Rhodophyta Part 3A Ceramiales. The Natural History Museum, London
2. Bunker, F.StP.D., Maggs, C.A., Brodie, J., Bunker, A.R. 2017 Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. Second Edition. Wild Nature Press, Plymouth, UK