General Description

Distinctive flattened stalk. Long, zig-zag, flattened central stalk (stipe) with flattened branches arising at point of zig-zag in an alternate pattern on one plane (two-dimensional). Flattened secondary branches (laterals) continue zig-zag pattern on one-plane but less obvious than on main stalk. Blades (ramuli) are flat and tear shaped with short stem at base arising at point of zig-zag on secondary branches also in alternate pattern. Holdfast at base is simple disc. Can have floats (vesicles) that are round to oval in shape. Medium brown. Up to 2 m long (thallus).

Biology

This is considered a very distinctive species due to its tear shaped blades, flattened form and strong single plane zig-zag branching pattern. It is one of the deep water species of algae.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs with rough wave action, at depths between 10 to 44 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

New Zealand and Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)
Deep ( > 30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2 m

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed