Desmarestia ligulata

Desmarestia ligulata is a species of brown algae found worldwide.[1] Its common names include color changer, Desmarest's flattened weed, and sea sorrel, though the last name can also refer to other species of Desmarestia.[2]

Desmarestia ligulata
Scientific classification
Clade: SAR
Phylum: Ochrophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Desmarestiales
Family: Desmarestiaceae
Genus: Desmarestia
Species:
D. ligulata
Binomial name
Desmarestia ligulata

Habitat

This species is found between the low intertidal to subtidal zones on open coasts.[1] It is the most abundant marine algae associated with giant kelp forests.[3]

Detailed artistic rendering of Desamarestia Ligulata


Acid accumulation

Desmarestia ligulata is known for its ability to accumulate high levels of sulfuric acid in its vacuoles. This accumulation appears to be active and permanent, occurring during cell growth and division while unaffected by light regimes or external nutrient profiles.[4] It has been suggested that this acid accumulation is an evolutionary adaptation to discourage grazing by fish and invertebrates.[3]

References
  1. Nelson, W. A. (2013). New Zealand seaweeds : an illustrated guide. Wellington, New Zealand: Te Papa Press. p. 102. ISBN 9780987668813. OCLC 841897290.
  2. Guiry, M.D. (2019). "Desmarestia ligulata (Stackhouse) J.V.Lamouroux". www.algaebase.org. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
  3. "Acid seaweed". www.montereybayaquarium.org. Monterey Bay Aquarium. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  4. McClintock, Mark; Higinbotham, Noe; Uribe, Ernest; Cleland, Robert (1982). "Active, irreversible accumulation of extreme levels of H2SO4 in the brown alga, Desmarestia". Plant Physiology. 70 (3): 771–774. doi:10.1104/pp.70.3.771. PMC 1065768. Retrieved 24 June 2019.


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