General Description

Compressed perennial stalk with blunt "teeth" in an alternate pattern arising from simple disc-conical holdfast. Lower branches (perennial laterals) arise in a radial pattern and are densely covered in clustered branchlets (ramuli). Lower parts of deciduous long stalks (stipes) are bare and multi-branched towards top covered in filament-like or slightly curved branchlets. Vesicles (when reproductive) are oval-round with an obvious protrusion (mucro). Vesicles are attached to upper branchlets by a short stem (petiole). Medium brown. Up to 50 cm long (thallus).

Biology

This and other members of the Sargassaceae family are used in tea for Chinese medicine. This species was recently renamed from Sargassum decipiens.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs and tidal pools, to depth of 13 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

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