Bryopsis plumosa explained

Bryopsis plumosa, sometimes known by the common names green algae or hen pen, is a type of green seaweed.

Taxonomy

This species was originally described by William Hudson under the name Ulva plumosa.^[1]

Distribution

Bryopsis plumosa is found in the British Isles, Europe, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea, Azores, Portugal, Spain, France, Norway, Faroes and Iceland, on the Atlantic coast of North America, west coast of Greenland, Jamaica, Canary Islands, Senegal, Ghana, Mauritania, South Africa, British Columbia to California, Australia, Japan and New Zealand.^{[2] [3]}

Description

Bryopsis plumosa has distichous branches with a thallus that is small and erect, growing up to 10 cm long. It is coloured bright green and has a soft, silky texture. The branches arranged in two opposite rows.^[4]

Reproduction

The species is dioecious; when fertile the male plants turn yellowish-green and the female plants are dark green.^[5]

Ecology

It can be found in intertidal pools.

Similar species

Bryopsis hypnoides can be difficult to distinguish, the branches of B. hypnoides are arranged spirally or irregularly.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Book: Hudson, William. Gulielmi Hudsoni, Regiae Societatis Socii et Pharmacopaei Londinensis, Flora anglica : exhibens plantas per regnum Britanniæ sponte crescentes, distributas secundum systema sexuale : cum differentiis specierum, synonymis auctorum, nominibus incolarum, solo locorum, tempore florendi, officinalibus pharmacopæorum.. 1798. London. 571. 10.5962/bhl.title.124875. William Hudson (botanist).
2. Web site: Bryopsis plumosa - Marine Life Encyclopedia. www.habitas.org.uk. 2019-01-24.
3. Book: W. A., Nelson. New Zealand seaweeds : an illustrated guide. Te Papa Press. 2013. 9780987668813. Wellington, New Zealand. 20. 841897290. Wendy Nelson (marine scientist).
4. Burrows, E.M. 1991. Seaweeds of the British Isles Volume 2 Chlorophyta.
5. Dickinson, C.I. 1963 British Seaweeds. The Kew Series
6. Bunker, F.StP, Brodie, J.A., Maggs, C.A. and Bunker, A.R. 2017 Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland Second edition. Wild Nature Press, Plymouth, UK