Compsothamnion (Nägeli) F.Schmitz, 1889

Holotype species: Compsothamnion thuioides (Smith) F.Schmitz

Original publication and holotype designation: Schmitz, F. (1889). Systematische Übersicht der bisher bekannten Gattungen der Florideen. Flora oder Allgemeine botanische Zeitung 72: 435-456, pl. XXI.

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Description: Thallus erect to 5 cm, axes monosiphonous, alternately branched with regular alternate distichous branchlets and rhizoidal cortication increasing in lower parts. Procarp several cells below apex of fertile branch. Carpogonial branch, 4-celled borne on first formed of 3 pericentral cells, two of which produce auxiliary cells, both fertilised by the carpogonium and each giving rise to a carposporophyte with successive groups of carposporangia. Spermatangial clusters terminal on branches of branchlets. Tetrasporangia pedicillate, tetrahedrally divided, scattered on branchlets.

Information contributed by: E.M. Wollaston. The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2023-11-23 by M.D. Guiry.

Taxonomic status: This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Cormaci, M., Furnari, G., Alongi, G. & Serio, D. coautrice per le Ceramieae (2023). Flora marina bentonica del Mediterraneo: Rhodophyta - Rhodymeniophycidae III: Ceramiales I (RHODOMELACEAE escluse). Bollettino Accademia Gioenia di Scienze Naturali in Catania 56(386): 81-621, 109 pls.

Comments: The name Compsothamnion was first used by Nägeli for a subgenus of Callithamnion and validly raised to generic status by Schmitz (1889) (vide Dixon 1960). Taxonomic confusion has led to incorrect citation of the genus by a number of authors. Appears closely related to Compsothamniella Itono and Antarcticothamnion Moe and Silva. Further studies of Compsothamnieae required to clarify relationships within tribe. Not common. Widespread in temperate seas, epiphytic or on rock or other substrate in sublittoral zone.

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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Some of the descriptions included in AlgaeBase were originally from the unpublished Encyclopedia of Algal Genera, organised in the 1990s by Dr Bruce Parker on behalf of the Phycological Society of America (PSA) and intended to be published in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=33275

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 23 November 2023. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 22 November 2024