Macrocystis integrifolia

Macrocystis integrifolia is one of four species of kelp (large brown algae) in the genus Macrocystis which grows to about 6 metres (20 ft) long.

Macrocystis integrifolia
Macrocystis integrifolia
Scientific classification
(unranked):
SAR
Superphylum:
Heterokonta
Class:
Phaeophyceae
Order:
Laminariales
Family:
Laminariaceae
Genus:
Macrocystis
Species:
M. pyrifera
Binomial name
Macrocystis integrifolia
Bory de Saint-Vincent 1826[1]
Synonyms

Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C. Agardh[2]

Description

Deep brown color on flattened rhizomes which are profusely dichotomously branched. Each is attached by branched root-like structures coming out of the sides of the rhizomes. Slender main stipes (about 1 centimetre (0.39 in) wide to 30 metres (98 ft) long) come from the rhizome which is up to 0.1 metres (3.9 in) at the widest. Periodically 5 centimetres (2.0 in) wide and 35 centimetres (14 in) long flattened leaf-like branches derive from the stipe. They have furrowed surfaces and taper gradually, but then have an oval or rounded float where attached to the stipe. The blade-like branches have notched denticulate edges leading to the terminal blade at the tip of the stipe, which is separated by several smaller branches.[3]

Life history

It is found on intertidal rocks or shallow subtidal rocks along the Pacific coast of North America from (British Columbia to California).[2][4][5] It prefers water about 7 metres (23 ft) to 10 metres (33 ft) deep and exposed to the open sea and normal salinities, yet sheltered from full wave action.[6]

Macrocystis integrifolia alternates heteromorphic phases from a macroscopic sporophyte to dioecious microscopic gametophytes.[5] It has been studied as a plant fertilizer, increasing bean yields up to 24% and chemical studies indicate presence of phytohormone-like substances.[7]

In 2009, a study determined that this and Macrocystis pyrifera may be the same species.[8]

References
  1. Bory de Saint-Vincent, J.B.G.M. (1826). Macrocyste. In: Dictionnaire Classique d'Histoire Naturelle. (Audouin, I. et al. Eds) Vol. 10, pp. 8-10. Paris:
  2. Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M., AlgaeBase: Species: Macrocystis integrifolia, National University of Ireland, Galway. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  3. Phylum: Phaeophyta, Class: Phaeophyceae, Order: Laminariales, Family: Lessoniaceae, Macrocystis integrifolia (Bory), Pearson College UWC. Retrieved 6 February 2013
  4. Abbott, I. A. & G. J. Hollenberg. (1976) Marine Algae of California. California: Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-0867-3
  5. Macrocystis integrifolia Bory, DeCew's Guide to the Seaweeds of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, Center for Phycological Documentation, University Herbarium, University of California, Berkeley, 2002. 13 July 2007
  6. The Race Rocks Taxonomy, Macrocystis integrifolia, Pearson College UWC. Retrieved 6 February 2013
  7. Temple, W. D., A. A. Bomke, Effects of kelp (Macrocystis integrifolia and Ecklonia maxima) foliar applications on bean crop growth, Plant and Soil, June 1989, Volume 117, Issue 1, pp. 85-92 (paywall)
  8. Demes, K.W, Graham, M.H. & Suskiewicz, T.S. (2009). Phenotypic plasticity reconciles incongruous molecular and morphological taxonomies: the giant kelp, Macrocystis (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae), is a monospecific genus (note). Journal of Phycology 45(6): 1266-1269.
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