Lessoniaceae

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Lessoniaceae
Macrocystis pyrifera
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota (unranked) Chromista Phylum: Heterokontophyta Class: Phaeophyceae Order: Laminariales Family: Lessoniaceae

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

• Systema Naturae 2000