Bifurcaria bifurcata R.Ross
Also known as Bifurcaria rotunda (Hudson) Papenfuss and
B. tuberculata Stackhouse.
English name:
Brown Forking Weed, Brown Tuning Fork Weed.
Description: Cylindrical, rich yellow-brown,
300-500 mm long (picture above). Fronds tough, cylindrical,
smooth, narrowly forked from about half way up the thallus.
Holdfast composed of persistent, intertwined rhizoidal growths.
Receptacles (picture below) cylindrical elongated at apices with
many conceptacles visible as lighter coloured spots. Ostioles
usually prominent. Antheridial conceptacles usually above and
oggonial conceptacles below. Inconspicuous, simple air vesicles
occasionally found at the base of the receptacles.
Habitat: In Britain and Ireland mostly found in
pools at about MTL, occasionally at low water on wave-washed
ledges. Further south on open rock at low water, sometimes
zone-forming.
Distribution: SW Britain and W Ireland N to
Donegal, often referred to as a "Luisitanian species". More or less absent from the south coast of Ireland
probably becasue of suitable habitat. Most common in limestone
areas, and associated with the Black Sea Urchin,
Paracentrotus lividus and the coralline alga
Lithophyllum incrustans.
Bifurcaria is a particular feature of the Burren in
Co. Clare, particularly around Black Head, Kilkee and Spanish
Point. Populations persisting in poold for many years. South to
Morrocco and Western Sahara.
Key characteristics: Cylindrical thallus,
rhizoidal holdfast, regular narrow forking.
Similar species:
Halidrys siliquosa also occurs in similar pools but is profusely alternately
branched with compressed fronds in the plane of branching, and
commonly has compartmented floation structures with the shape of
pea-pods.
Photographs © M.D. Guiry
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