s A Field Guide to the British Seaweeds - NMBAQC
s A Field Guide to the British Seaweeds - NMBAQC
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