Polysiphonia ceramiaeformis

Polysiphonia ceramiaeformis, also called banded siphon weed, is a small red algae, in the genus Polysiphonia. Individuals are irregularly branched with the branches extending up to from a central node and ending in dense tufts of fibres.

Description

This small red algae lacks a clearly to be seen main axis. Each branch is formed of axial cells with 10 - 12 periaxial cells of equal length, with forcipate incurved tips. It is densely branched and attached by tangled prostrate axes. All axes are ecorticate. The rhizoids are numerous

Reproduction

The plants are dioecious. The alga bears spermatangial branches on a cylindrical axis. Cystocarps are oval with a narrow ostiole. The tetraspores cells divide to forms cells in fours, these occur in a spiral series.

Habitat

In pools at low water in sheltered sites.

Distribution

Very rare on the British Isles. Recorded from a few sites in Dorset, also recorded from north west France and the Mediterranean.