''Apophlaea'' is a genus of thalloid
alga
Algae (; singular alga ) is an informal term for a large and diverse group of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. It is a polyphyletic grouping that includes species from multiple distinct clades. Included organisms range from unicellular mi ...
e that is
endemic
Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsew ...
to
New Zealand
New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...
. This genus has two species, both from the high intertidal zone on New Zealand's coasts. Specimens can reach around 15 cm in size. The thalli take a crustose form, but also contain upright, branching frond-like protrusions that reach 5–8 cm in height. Secondary
pit connection In algal anatomy, a pit connection is a hole in the septum between two algal cells, and is found only in the red algae − specifically, all orders except the Porphyridiales and haploid Bangiales. They are often stoppered with proteinaceous "pit p ...
s and secondary
pit connection In algal anatomy, a pit connection is a hole in the septum between two algal cells, and is found only in the red algae − specifically, all orders except the Porphyridiales and haploid Bangiales. They are often stoppered with proteinaceous "pit p ...
sare present in the organisms. ''Apophlaea'' reproduces by means of
conceptacle
Conceptacles are specialized cavities of marine and freshwater algae that contain the reproductive organs. They are situated in the receptacle and open by a small ostiole.Boney, A.D. (1969). ''A Biology of Marine Algae''. Hutchinson Educational L ...
s; it produces tetraspores.
It is notable for its symbiotic relationship with certain fungi. Despite its unusual morphology, molecular systematics, along with its zoned tetrasporangia borne in conceptacles with a single opening, place it within the Hildenbrandiales.
The algae are resistant to both U-V radiation and desiccation, allowing them to thrive in intertidal settings. Indeed, they can resume almost full photosynthesis just minutes after losing 95% of their tissue water.
References
External links
*
* http://thinkoholic.com/pic.php?l=de&resize=1&s=396&img=4194
* http://www.seafriends.org.nz/enviro/habitat/rsred.htm
Red algae genera
{{rhodophyta-stub