General Description

Coarse, compressed laterally and strongly backwards (retroflex) zigzagged central stalk (stipe) with zigzagged secondary branches arising in an alternating pattern in two rows (distichous) which have sub-branches giving rise to branchlets (ramuli). Branchlets are flattened, zigzagged, found towards the tips of the secondary branches, and are arranged on one plane in an alternate pattern in two rows. Holdfast at base is a simple and disc-conical shaped. Dark to grey-brown. Up to 60 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This species is usually found in shallow waters and deep tidal pools. The retroflex zigzags help distinguish this species. It was named for Robert Brown a British collector and botanist.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs and tidal pools, moderate wave action, to depth of 12 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

60 cm

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