Polysiphonia stricta explained

Polysiphonia stricta is a small red marine alga in the Division Rhodophyta.

Polysiphonia stricta forms dense clumps of branching axes. The plants grow to 25 cm high.^[1]

Description

P. stricta grows as small tufts of much branched tufts, growing to no more than 25 cm high.^[1] The axes are erect, ecorticate, with 4 periaxial cells growing from prostrate axes. All 4 of the periaxial cells are of the same length.^{[1] [2]}

Reproduction

Spermatangial branchlets are formed in clusters at the apices. Cystocarps are on wide stalks and are urceolate. The tetraspores are in series in the final branches.^[1]

Habitat

Epizoic and epiphytic in the low littoral to 20 m.^[1]

Distribution

Found around the British Isles, the West Atlantic and American Atlantic.^[1]

Notes and References

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