Bryopsis foliosa Sond.

Scientific Description

Habit and structure. Thallus 4–10(–15) cm high, bushy and very densely branched with 3(–4) orders of branching, with few to numerous axes arising from a much branched, extensive, rhizoidal basal system, epilithic or epiphytic on Posidonia. Axes irregularly and densely branched above with some laterals strongly developed and basally denuded; young axes and laterals narrowly lanceolate in outline; branching of axes and laterals essentially radial but on plants epiphytic on Posidonia and Heterozostera branching on some older axes tending to be limited to opposite sides of the axes but irregularly placed. Axes (300–)400–1000 µm in diameter; main laterals 300–500 µm in diameter, lesser laterals 1–4 mm long, 100–200 µm in diameter; ramuli (0.2–)0.5–1 mm long, (50–)75–100(–125) µm in diameter, upwardly curved and slightly tapering; scars on laterals prominent.

Reproduction. Unknown.

Distribution. Apparently limited to the coast from Whitfords Beach to Hamelin Bay, and on Rottnest I., W. Aust.

Habitat. On rock platforms at low tide level and on Posidonia, Amphibolis and Zostera in shallow water.

[After Womersley, Mar. Benthic Fl. Southern Australia I: 278–280 (1984)]