Peltasta J.Agardh, 1892

Holotype species: Peltasta australis J.Agardh

Publication details: J.Agardh, 1892: 102

Original publication and holotype designation: Agardh, J.G. (1892). Analecta algologica. Lunds Universitets ÅrsSkrift, Andra Afdelningen, Kongl. Fysiografiska Sällskapets i Lund Handlingar 28(6): 1-182, 3 pls.

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Description: Subdichotomous erect fronds reach 10 cm in length and arise from wiry creeping stolons. Thalli are flattened (2-3 mm in width) and are subdichotomously branched. Pseudoparenchymatous inner cortical cells are not only linked by secondary pit connections, but also by direct cell fusions (Kraft and Woelkerling 1990), a feature uncommon outside the Corallinales. Cystocarps form subterminal swellings which deflect and halt growth of the fertile branch apices. Fusion cells are complex, being composed of a small core of completely fused cells linked by wide cytoplasmic bridges at former pit-connection sites into a network of surrounding, partially consolidated gametophytic cells. Gonimoblast filaments arise on all parts of the fusion complex and can fuse to adjacent unincorporated cells, all of which can give rise to further gonimoblast filaments. Gonimoblasts radiate in all directions, although the mature carposporophyte is oriented toward the surface, to which it is linked by a wide ostiole. The carposporophyte consists of an inner placenta and outer parallel columns of narrow cells cutting off 1-3 carposporangia. Tetrasporangia are scattered through surface layers of slightly splayed branch tips.

Information contributed by: G.T. Kraft. The most recent alteration to this page was made on 2025-03-20 by M.D. Guiry.

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

Gender: This genus name is currently treated as feminine.

Most recent taxonomic treatment adopted: Kraft, G.T. & Saunders, G.W. (2025). The Dicranemataceae (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) revisited: molecular data indicate polyphyly in yet another wholly or primarily Australian endemic family. Australian Systematic Botany 38(SB24030): 1–24, 11 figures.

Comments: Distribution: Endemic to southern Australia from Encounter Bay to Port Phillip Heads and the east coast of Tasmania, where it is very infrequently collected from rock at 4-25 m depths.

Taxonomic note
Dicranemataceae (Kraft & Womersley 1994: 327). - (22 July 2009) - G.M. Guiry

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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=42792

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 20 March 2025. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 23 May 2025