Lessoniaceae
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 Macrocystis pyrifera
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Lessoniaceae are a family of kelp. They are the largest of all algae, and are characterized by the single blade splitting into two. Some species have pneumatocysts at the base of their blades.
[edit] Taxonomy
The genera of this family can be hard to tell apart, but can be differentiated based on their habitat and the position of their pneumatocysts.
- Lessonia is relatively short, with multiple stipes, inhabiting intertidal or low tidal areas. This genus has no pneumatocysts.
- Macrocystis is the largest of the kelps, and has multiple stipes and multiple pneumatocysts on each stipe, with one blade each.
- Nereocystis has a single stipe, and a single pneumatocyst with multiple blades.
- Pelagophycus is much like Nereocystis, but has two separate stalks emerging from the pneumatocyst, from which sprout the blades, earning it its nickname of "elk kelp."
- Postelsia is intertidal, and for most of the time is exposed to the air. It has a single upright stipe, no pneumatocyst, and multiple hanging blades.
Other genera are:
- Dictyoneurum
- Lessoniopsis
[edit] Distribution
The distribution of Lessoniaceae includes the northeastern Pacific Ocean and southern Australian coasts.
[edit] References
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