Stromatocarpus Falkenberg, 1897

Holotype species: Stromatocarpus parasiticus Falkenberg

Original publication and holotype designation: Schmitz, F. & Falkenberg, P. (1897). Rhodomelaceae. In: Die natürlichen Pflanzenfamilien nebst ihren Gattungen und wichtigeren Arten insbesondere den Nutzpflanzen unter Mitwirkung zahlreicher hervorragender Fachgelehrten, Teil 1, Abteilung 2. (Engler, A. & Prantl, K. Eds), pp. 421-480. Leipzig: verlag von Wilhelm Engelmann.

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Description: Short erect polysiphonous filaments, occurring in clusters as hemiparasites or parasites on Polysiphonia or Placophora (Martin & Pocock 1953). Rhizoidal filaments penetrate the host and attach by secondary pit connections (Martin & Pocock 1953). Pericentral cells 4, uncorticated, and full complement present on relatively few segments (Morrill 1976); branch primordia (non-emergent trichoblasts) formed on all segments, some forming polysiphonous branchlets, other developing reproductive structures, adventitious branches formed by pericentral cells. Emergent trichoblasts present only in fertile segments. Tetrasporangia borne singly in successive segments, distally in erect branches having axial cells with diagonal end walls resulting in a contorted zig-zag axis. Procarps in distal part of erect branch, on the second cell of a fertile trichoblast, with 1 sterile cell group that is persistent throughout cystocarp development; cystocarps large and ovoid, in lateral positions. Male capitula conical to ovoid, on monosiphonous stalks in spiral positions on fertile branchlet.

Information contributed by: R.E. Norris. The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2010-10-07 by M.D. Guiry.

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

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Schneider, C.W. & Wynne, M.J. (2007). A synoptic review of the classification of red algal genera a half a century after Kylin's "Die Gattungen der Rhodophyceen". Botanica Marina 50: 197-249.

Comments: On Tayloriella virgata and Placophora monocarpa on South Africa's south-western coast. The absence of a pulvinate base to the erect branches separates Stromatocarpus and Meridiocolax from Levringiella. Trivial characters of reproduction and the angle that axial cells are cut off in tetrasporangiate branches separate Stromatocarpus and Meridiocolax.

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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=40836

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 07 October 2010. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 19 April 2024