Cystophora retroflexa explained

Cystophora retroflexa is a brown alga species in the genus Cystophora.^[1] It found is found off the coasts of New Zealand and Australia.^[2] It is the type species of the genus. Prefers more sheltered environments compared to other Cystophora species, often found in sheltered reefs from 0 to 12 m in depth.^[3]

Description

It is a large, open species with floats longer (4–10 mm) than broad (3–6 mm). The final branches are long (20–60 mm) and thin (1–2 mm). The side branches have smaller branches arising at irregular intervals from all sides, rather than the seaweed having branches in the one plane.^[3]

Biochemistry

This species contains phlorotannins of the classes of phlorethols and fucophlorethols (phloroglucinol, difucol,,,,,,,,,,,,,, diphlorethol,,,,,,,,,,,,, and).^[4] There are also halogenated phlorethols and fucophlorethols (chlorinated, brominated and iodinated derivatives).^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Cystophora retroflexa (Labill.) J.Agardh. www.nzor.org.nz. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. 2019-01-26.
2. Book: Nelson, W. A.. New Zealand seaweeds : an illustrated guide. Te Papa Press. 2017. 9780987668813. Wellington, New Zealand. 78. 841897290.
3. Book: Edgar . Graham . Australian marine life : the plants and animals of temperate waters . 2012 . Reed New Holland . Chatswood, N.S.W. . 9781921517174 . 50 . 2nd.
4. 10.1016/S0031-9422(98)00643-8 . Phlorethols and fucophlorethols from the brown alga Cystophora retroflexa . 1999 . Sailler . Birgit . Glombitza . Karl-Werner . Phytochemistry . 50 . 5 . 869.
5. 10495467. 1999. Sailler. B. Glombitza. KW. Halogenated phlorethols and fucophlorethols from the brown alga Cystophora retroflexa. 7. 2. 57–62. 10.1002/(SICI)1522-7189(199903/04)7:2<57::AID-NT42>3.0.CO;2-F. Natural Toxins.