 |
|
Cladophora socialis Kütz |
|
Description: Plants filamentous, slightly to profusely branched. Usually in soft to stiff clumps, often floating; attachments by rhizoids frequently from basal poles of mid to lower cells, or by cluster of basal rhizoids.Tufts isolated, pale or dark green; axes and branches frequently with adventitious holdfasts. Introduction and Origin: Native to Hawaii. Hawaiian Distribution: Kauai, Hawaii, Molokai, West Maui Habitat: Near the line of low tide to 2 m deep. On hard substrates, or epiphytic on other algae. Environmental Effects: Not studied. May affect recruitment of other species by successfully competing for substrate. World Distribution: Hawaiian islands Commercial Interests: None. Rate of Spread / Method: Very high growth rates. Dispersal by fragmentation and vegetative growth (filaments have diffuse growth), motile gametes, and zoospores. Factors likely to influence Spread and Distribution: Irradiance, temperature, high nutrients availability. Reasons for Success: Rapid growth rate, high nutrients availability. Low surface to volume ratio ensures fast nutrient uptake. Diffuse growth of filaments facilitates vegetative propagation through fragmentation. Control Methods: None used. References: |
|