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s A Field Guide to the British Seaweeds - NMBAQC

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Melobesia membrancea<br />

This is a small microscopic, calcareous and epiphytic species. It is<br />

an encrusting species but considerably different from <strong>the</strong> general<br />

calcareous encrusters. This plant requires a high level of<br />

magnification <strong>to</strong> be identified. It is characterised by its disc-like<br />

appearance of radiating cells and is found throughout <strong>the</strong> lit<strong>to</strong>ral<br />

commonly on hydroids and o<strong>the</strong>r algae. Radiating cells of Melobesia<br />

Membranoptera alata<br />

Plant foliose, thin, membranous and quite delicate it is<br />

characterised by its leafy appearance and distinct<br />

midrib, small side veins are also present but less<br />

obvious. Branching occurs from <strong>the</strong> frond margin or<br />

directly from <strong>the</strong> main stipe and it is usually highly<br />

branched ei<strong>the</strong>r alternately or subdicho<strong>to</strong>mously.<br />

Plants grow up <strong>to</strong> 20cm long and frond widths are up <strong>to</strong><br />

5mm, older plants may appear tatty where fronds have<br />

been worn away. It is found in overhangs and crevices<br />

and on <strong>the</strong> sides of rockpools generally in <strong>the</strong> mid <strong>to</strong><br />

sublit<strong>to</strong>ral areas and is very common.<br />

Membranoptera with distinct midrib and delicate frond<br />

and with less prominent side veins

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