Neomeris bilimbata J.Kost.

Scientific Description

Habit and structure. Thallus usually in small clusters, cylindrical to clavate, 2.0–3.5 cm tall, 2–3 mm diam. Upper surface bearing whorled pigmented hairs, these deciduous and absent from the middle and lower thallus. Middle thallus with gametangia developing below surface facets, the latter eventually shed and exposing the gametangia which are themselves shed leaving only the remnant primary laterals in the lower portion of thallus. Primary central siphon c. 650 µm diam.; primary laterals 580–670 µm long, 30–40 µm diam., at the surface bearing paired secondary laterals, these terminating in deltoid facets, 125–135 µm wide at the surface. Gametangia arising at the ends of primary laterals, between secondary laterals, ellipsoidal, distinctly pedicellate, 135–145 µm long (excluding pedicel), 100–110 µm diam., not laterally attached. Gametangia initially in open connection with a primary lateral, but the pedicel base eventually occluded by a cylindrical cellulose plug.

Distribution. Widespread in tropical waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans (including Lord Howe Island). In W.A. known from the offshore atolls of the Rowley Shoals and Scott Reef, and inshore from the northern Kimberley coast.

Habitat. Epilithic.

[After Huisman, Algae of Australia: Mar. Benthic Algae of North-western Australia, 1. Green and Brown Algae 157 (2015)]