Apophlaea

Apophlaea
Apophlaea sinclairii by Peter de Lange
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Clade: Archaeplastida
Division: Rhodophyta
Class: Florideophyceae
Order: Hildenbrandiales
Family: Hildenbrandiaceae
Genus: Apophlaea
J.D.Hooker & Harvey, 1845
Species
  • A. sinclairii
  • A. lyallii

Apophlaea is a genus of thalloid algae that is endemic to New Zealand.[1] Species in the genus are found in the high intertidal zone on New Zealand's coasts.[2][3] Specimens can reach around 15 cm in size. The thalli take a crustose form, but also contain upright, branching frond-like protrusions that reach 5–8 cm in height.[4][5] Secondary pit connections and secondary pit connectionsare present in the organisms. Apophlaea reproduces by means of conceptacles; it produces tetraspores.

It is notable for its symbiotic relationship with certain fungi.[6] Despite its unusual morphology, molecular systematics, along with its zoned tetrasporangia borne in conceptacles with a single opening, place it within the Hildenbrandiales.[7]

The algae are resistant to both U-V radiation and desiccation, allowing them to thrive in intertidal settings.[8] Indeed, they can resume almost full photosynthesis just minutes after losing 95% of their tissue water.[9]

  1. ^ Nelson, Nelson, W. A. (2013). New Zealand seaweeds : an illustrated guide. Wellington, New Zealand: Te Papa Press. p. 142. ISBN 9780987668813. OCLC 841897290.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Sherwood, A. R.; Sheath, R. G. (2003). "Systematics of the Hildenbrandiales (Rhodophyta): Gene Sequence and Morphometric Analyses of Global Collections". Journal of Phycology. 39 (2): 409–422. doi:10.1046/j.1529-8817.2003.01050.x.
  3. ^ Garbary, D. (2007). "The Margin of the Sea". ALGAE AND CYANOBACTERIA IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology. Vol. 11. pp. 173–191. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-6112-7_9.
  4. ^ Saunders, G. W.; Bailey, J. C. (1999). "Molecular Systematic Analyses Indicate That the Enigmatic Apophlaea is a Member of the Hildenbrandiales (Rhodophyta, Florideophycidae)". Journal of Phycology. 35: 171. doi:10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.3510171.x.
  5. ^ Sherwood, A. R.; Sheath, R. G. (2003). "Systematics of the Hildenbrandiales (Rhodophyta): Gene Sequence and Morphometric Analyses of Global Collections". Journal of Phycology. 39 (2): 409–422. doi:10.1046/j.1529-8817.2003.01050.x.
  6. ^ Selosse, M.; Le Tacon, F. (1998). "The land flora: a phototroph-fungus partnership?". Trends in Ecology & Evolution. 13: 15–28. doi:10.1016/S0169-5347(97)01230-5.
  7. ^ Saunders, G. W.; Bailey, J. C. (1999). "Molecular Systematic Analyses Indicate That the Enigmatic Apophlaea is a Member of the Hildenbrandiales (Rhodophyta, Florideophycidae)". Journal of Phycology. 35: 171. doi:10.1046/j.1529-8817.1999.3510171.x.
  8. ^ Garbary, D. (2007). "The Margin of the Sea". ALGAE AND CYANOBACTERIA IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology. Vol. 11. pp. 173–191. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-6112-7_9.
  9. ^ Garbary, D. (2007). "The Margin of the Sea". ALGAE AND CYANOBACTERIA IN EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS. Cellular Origin, Life in Extreme Habitats and Astrobiology. Vol. 11. pp. 173–191. doi:10.1007/978-1-4020-6112-7_9.