General Description

Short stipe, cylindrical in shape and tapering at both ends. Stems (blades) flattened on one plane. Multiple branching in an alternate pattern. Branches (laterals) are straight to curving slightly inwards in shape. Pale mid rib. Short leaf-like projections (receptacles) arise in inner branching fork. Holdfast at base is large with few or many roots (haptera). Medium to dark brown. Up to 2 m long (thallus).

Biology

The small leaf-like projections along the frond edges of this species contain reproductive structures. They release spores into the water and are visible only when the plant is in its reproductive cycle.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs, with moderate wave action, to depth of 40 m.

Reefs

Seagrass meadows

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

2 m

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

No

Global Dispersal

Native to Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

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