General Description

Long almost straight central stalk (stipe) appearing square-angular in cross section. Secondary branching is open in an alternate pattern on opposite sides of stalk (distichous) on one plane. Lower branches are usually lost leaving zigzagged pegs (residues). Branchlets (laterals) arise in an alternate pattern branching on opposite sides of branch becoming branched more evenly into two towards ends (subdichotomous). Reproductive parts (receptacles) are straight to wavy tapering gradually at both ends. Holdfast at base is a simple and disc-conical shaped. Medium to dark brown. Up to 1 m long (thallus).

Biology

This species has separate female and male plants (dioecious) unlike some species in the Cystophora genus.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs and tidal pools on rough-water coasts, to depth of 8 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

1 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