General Description

Compressed perennial stalk (stipe) with teeth, arising from simple disc-conical holdfast. Lower branches (perennial laterals) start simple and become divided in an even pattern (pinnate) and have a thickened mid rib through centre only. Multiple stems (stipes) are compressed with laterals arising on them directly. Secondary laterals (upper laterals/ramuli) arise from stems in two vertical rows and are twisted at their base facing downward to base (retroflex). Upper laterals arise radially from secondary lateral axes which become cylindrical, and are divided (pinnate) with fine thread-like (filiform) branchlets (ramuli). Vesicles (when reproductive) are large, oval, attached by a short stem (petiole), and have either no protrusion or a slender-compressed protrusion (mucro). Dark to medium brown. Up to 50 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This species has been renamed from Sargassum to Phyllotricha.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs and tidal pools, to depth of 38 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

Southern Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

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

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

50 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