Merrifieldia J.Agardh, 1885

Holotype species: Merrifieldia ramentacea (C.Agardh) J.Agardh

Currently accepted name for the type species: Hypnea ramentacea (C.Agardh) J.Agardh

Original publication and holotype designation: Agardh, J.G. (1885). Till algernes systematik. Nya bidrag. (Fjerde afdelningen.). Lunds Universitets Årskrift, Afdelningen for Mathematik och Naturvetenskap 21(8): 1-117, 1 pl.

Request PDF

Description: A genus of non-parasitic species with the characters of the order. Plants of the largest species reach 50 cm in length from discoid holdfasts, although several species form sprawling tangles or low (< 5 cm high) turfs anchored by numerous basal attachments. Some of the most widespread species propagate by fragmentation after attachment to algae and other substrata by a myriad of tendril-like hooks. Tetrasporangial nemathecia partially or completely encircle the bases of short lateral branches.

Information kindly contributed by G.T. Kraft but may now be outdated.

Taxonomic status: This name is currently regarded as a synonym of Hypnea.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Kylin, H. (1956). Die Gattungen der Rhodophyceen. pp. i-xv, 1-673, 458 figs. Lund: C.W.K. Gleerups.

Comments: Distribution: The type species is nearly cosmopolitan in tropical to warm-temperate seas, and is known to have been introduced to non-native localities such as Hawaii, where it has taken over large reef areas and is a considerable pest (Abbott, 1987). The genus has numerous representatives in the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas, the western and eastern Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia and South Africa, with at least some representatives in most warm-water localities.

Verification of Data
Users are responsible for verifying the accuracy of information before use, as noted on the website Content page.

Contributors
Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in CD format. These AlgaeBase descriptions are now being continually updated, and each current contributor is identified above. The PSA and AlgaeBase warmly acknowledge the generosity of all past and present contributors and particularly the work of Dr Parker.

Descriptions of chrysophyte genera were subsequently published in J. Kristiansen & H.R. Preisig (eds.). 2001. Encyclopedia of Chrysophyte Genera. Bibliotheca Phycologica 110: 1-260.

Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=43185

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 18 January 2011. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 22 November 2024