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Desmarestia Tortuosa
''Desmarestia'' is a genus of brown algae found worldwide. It is also called acid weed, acidweed, ', sea sorrel, (), ', mermaid's hair, landlady's wig, or '. However, 'sea sorrel' can also specifically refer to ''Desmarestia viridis''. Members of this genus can be either annual or perennial. Annual members of this genus store sulfuric acid in intracellular vacuoles. When exposed to air they release the acid, thereby destroying themselves and nearby seaweeds in the process. They are found in shallow intertidal zones. Ingesting sulfuric acid can cause severe digestive problems. but since sulfuric acid tastes extremely sour, members of the genus are unlikely to be eaten in harmful quantities. The genus was named in honor of Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest. Species AlgaeBase lists 32 currently accepted species within the genus ''Desmarestia'', not including variations and subspecies. * ''Desmarestia aculeata'' (Carl Linnaeus, L.) Jean Vincent Félix Lamouroux, J.V.Lamouroux - Type ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Desmarestia Viridis
Overview ''Desmarestia viridis'' is a species of brown algae and a member of the phylum Ochrophyta. It is also known as stringy acid kelp, and is the most acidic of the acid kelps with a vacuolar pH of about 1. It is best known for releasing sulfuric acid when damaged, usually destroying itself and other nearby marine plant life. ''D. viridis'' is typically found in colder, shallow, intertidal zones all around the world. Physical Description This algal species can grow up to 48 inches tall. It is made up of a disk-like holdfast to attach itself to the substrate, protecting the plant from getting swept away due to wave energy. It has a cylindrical center and its fronds have a signature pattern of opposite branching which can resemble the branches of a bush. It is the color brown, rather than green like many other types of algae, due to the pigment fucoxanthin dominating and masking the other pigments. Reproduction ''D. viridis'', like all brown algae, can do both asexual and sex ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |