Cystophora (alga)
Cystophora is a genus of brown algae found mostly in temperate waters around Australia.
Description
Most of the southern Australian species can be immediately recognised as belonging to this genus by their characteristic zigzag branching pattern. Identification of individual species is generally more difficult and relies on the size and shape of branches, particularly terminal branches, which are specialised reproductive structures known as receptacles. Due to their local diversity and dominance in southern Australia, they are regarded by some as 'the eucalypts of the underwater world'.
Species
There are currently 26 accepted species of Cystophora:Cystophora botryocystis SonderCystophora brownii J.AgardhCystophora cuspidata J.AgardhCystophora cymodocea Womersley & Nizamuddin ex WomersleyCystophora dumosa J.AgardhCystophora expansa WomersleyCystophora fibrosa SimonsCystophora flaccida J.AgardhCystophora gracilis WomersleyCystophora grevillei J.AgardhCystophora harveyi WomersleyCystophora intermedia J.AgardhCystophora monilifera J.AgardhCystophora moniliformis Womersley & NizamuddinCystophora pectinata J.AgardhCystophora platylobium J.AgardhCystophora polycystidea Areschoug ex J.AgardhCystophora racemosa J.AgardhCystophora retorta J.AgardhCystophora retroflexa J.Agardh Cystophora scalaris J.AgardhCystophora siliquosa J.AgardhCystophora subfarcinata J.AgardhCystophora tenuis WomersleyCystophora torulosa J.AgardhCystophora xiphocarpa Harvey