Polysiphonia simulans is a small marine alga in the division Rhodophyta.

Polysiphonia simulans
Illustration of "Polysiphonia simulans". Fig. 1. natural size. 2. A small branch. 3. Ceramidium. 4. Ramulus with imbedded tetraspores. 5. Joints from the stem, and young ramulus with apical fibres. 6. Transverse section of the stem : — all magnified.
Illustration of Polysiphonia simulans. Fig. 1. natural size. 2. A small branch. 3. Ceramidium. 4. Ramulus with imbedded tetraspores. 5. Joints from the stem, and young ramulus with apical fibres. 6. Transverse section of the stem : — all magnified.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Clade: Archaeplastida
Division: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Ceramiales
Family: Rhodomelaceae
Genus: Polysiphonia
Species:
P. simulans
Binomial name
Polysiphonia simulans
Harvey

Description

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This small alga is no more than 8 cm long. It appears as a tuft of irregularly branched erect axes. The branches show 10 periaxial cells forming a collar around a central axis without cortication. The pericentral cells are all of the same length. Rhizoids are attached to the lower periaxial cells.[1]

Reproduction

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Tetraspores have been recorded in the final branches.

Distribution

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Recorded from the south coast of England, Ireland and the Channel Islands. Also recorded from north-west France.[1][2] Occurs southwards to Morocco.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Maggs, C.A. and Hommersand, M.H. 1993. Seaweeds of the British Isles Volume 1 Rhodophyta Part 3A Ceramiales. The Natural History Museum. ISBN 0-11-310045-0
  2. ^ Morton, O. 2003. The marine macroalgae of County Donegal, Ireland. Bulletin of Irish biogeographical Society no.27 3 - 164.
  3. ^ Hardy, F.G. and Guiry, M.D.2003. A Check-list and Atlas of the Seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. The British Phycological Society ISBN 0-9527115-16