Seaweeds of the South African South Coast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Order Cladophorales

Family Cladophoraceae

Cladophora rugulosa G. Martens 1866: 112, pl. II: fig. 3

Plants dark green, erect, 3-20 (-30) cm tall, comprising stiff tufts formed by numerous densely clustered stipes bearing pseudodichotomously to oppositely branched main axes with dense terminal branches. Attached by rhizoids from base of stipe. Stipe of single club-shaped cell with annular basal constrictions. Cells of terminal branch systems bearing one or two laterals, further from apices up to five laterals may be produced. Cells in basipetal direction longer and increasingly club-shaped with annular constrictions at the base. Proximal ends of old cells often bearing rhizoid-like protruberances that attach to parent cell below. Apical cells tapered, 130-260 µm in diameter, cells of main axes up to 550 µm in diameter and 18 mm long. Cell walls of main axes, basal cells and stipe up to 130 µm thick.

Description largely from Coppejans et al. (2005).

Collections ecology and regional distribution

Recorded from Cannon Rocks to northern Kwazulu-Natal (38-58). Epilithic in the lower eulittoral/sublittoral fringe, usually in wave-exposed areas. The most common species in Kwazulu-Natal (Coppejans et al. 2005).

World distribution: Probably endemic to South Africa (Coppejans et al. 2005).

Type locality: Port Natal (Durban), South Africa (Coppejans et al. 2005).

Note: For a discussion of the relationship of this species to C. prolifera, see Coppejans et al. (2005).

 

Cladophora rugulosa, Haga Haga

Cladophora rugulosa , middle of thalli.

Cladophora rugulosa , distal branches.

Cladophora rugulosa , detail of annulations at bases of branches.

 

References Cladophora rugulosa

Coppejans, E, Leliaert, F & Verbruggen, H. (2005). Green algae. In De Clerck et al 2005 KZN guide.

Martens, G. von (1866). Die Tange. In: Die Preussische Expedition nach Ost-Asien. Nach amtlichen Quellen. Botanischer Theil. ( Eds), pp. 1-152. Berlin: Verlag de Königlichen Geheimen Ober-Hofbuchdruckerei (R.Y. Decker).

 

Cite this record as:

Anderson RJ, Stegenga H, Bolton JJ. 2016. Seaweeds of the South African South Coast.
World Wide Web electronic publication, University of Cape Town, http://southafrseaweeds.uct.ac.za; Accessed on 19 December 2024.