Desmarestia viridis


Desmarestia viridis is a species of brown algae found worldwide. Its common names include stringy acid kelp, green acid kelp, Desmarest's green weed, and sea sorrel, though the last name can refer to other species of Desmarestia. The light brown thallus is delicate with a disc-shaped holdfast. It releases sulfuric acid when damaged, destroying itself and nearby seaweeds in the process. They are found in shallow intertidal areas.

Description

This brown marine algae grows solitary to 2 m long. It is densely branched. The branches are terete and grow from a bulbous holdfast. The main axis is distinct and grows is 1 mm wide, the final branches fine and hair-like.

Reproduction

Sporangia are produced scattered on the surface of the frond, they are a little larger and darker than the vegetative cells surrounding it.

Habitat

D. viridis is generally epilithic in shaded places in the lower littoral.

Distribution

Common around Ireland, Great Britain and the Isle of Man.

Photos