Nemalion helminthoides explained

Nemalion helminthoides is a small marine alga in the division Rhodophyta.

Description

This is a fairly large erect alga which grows to no more than 0.4 m long. The frond is erect with a solid axis. It is very mucilaginous and with few branches which are elongate growing from a discoid base. The central strand is composed of filaments intricately entangled.^[1]

Habitat

Midlittoral, epilithic and on Balanus^[2] Patella.^[1]

Reproduction

The life-history is not fully confirmed. However carpospores and tetrasporangia have been recorded.^[1]

Distribution

Generally distributed around the European coast and the Atlantic coast of North America.^[1]

Note

The spelling of the specific name is in older references spelt without the first letter "h". However helminthoides is considered more correct.^[1]

Notes and References

1. 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)
2. Hardy, F.G and Guiry, M.D. 2003. A Check-list and Atlas of the Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. The British Phycological Society.