The sporophyte of Ahnfeltia plicata (Huds.) Fries (Rhodophyceae, Gigartinales) in culture

Abstract

A discoid tetrasphorophyte is involved in the life history of Ahnfeltia plicata (Huds.) Fries in culture. Monospores, discharged from nemathecia on upright plants collected from nature, gave rise to a crustose tetrasporic phase, producing zonate tetraspores in hemispherical nemathecia. Anatomical features of this crustose stage are similar to Porphyrodiscus simulans Batters. Released tetraspores, in turn, formed a disc from which the typical Ahnfeltia upright frond developed.