General Description

Simple cylindrical perennial stalk (stipe), arising from simple disc-conical holdfast. Lower leaf-like branches (perennial laterals) arise in a radial pattern. Multiple branched stems (stipes) are cylindrical, compressed or angular and arise in a radial pattern base (perennial stalk/laterals). Secondary laterals (upper laterals/ramuli) are leaf-like and often with serrated edges, clustered branchlets (receptacles) appear branched and arise in lateral axes. Vesicles (when reproductive) are round-oval, attached by a short stem (petiole). Light to medium brown. Up to 50 cm long (thallus).

Biology

Sargassum species have deciduous fronds and plants often remain dormant with just the perennial base for most of the year. They are the largest growing group of all algae and are used as tea in Chinese medicine.

Habitat

Subtidal rocky reefs, to depth of 34 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

New Caledonia and Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

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

Recorded in Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

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