I U C U S Griffithsiæ.
Griffithsian Fucus.
CR YPTO GAMIA Algae,
Gen. Char. Seeds produced in clustered tubercles,
which burst at their summits.
Spec. Char. Frond cartilaginous, thread-shaped, forked,
level-topped, purplish. Tubercles oblong, encircling
the frond.
Syn. Fucus Griffithsise. Turn. Hist. Fucor. 8 0 . 1. 37.
F o u n d by Mrs. Griffiths « at Sidmouth, Devonshire, near
the Chit rock, in a little channel formed by sea-water, as it
runs off during the ebb tide;” also by Miss Filmore and the
Rev. Mr. Jervis on rocks at Exmouth. Dr. Scott has observed
the same at Balbriggen near Dublin. It is in perfection from
October to December.
From a small callous disk arise several fronds, each 2 or 3
inches high, of a more or less deep purplish hue, much
branched, level-topped, slender, thread-shaped, of equal
thickness throughout, the upper branches most divaricated,
the summits, according to Mr. Turner, often thickened and
compressed. The fructification embraces the branches here
ahd there in the form of dark oblong or elliptical tumid warts
or tubercles, in which, when cut transversely and examined
with a glass, are found innumerable horizontal, radiating,
joinfed filaments, among which the seeds are presumed to be
lodged.
The mode of fructification, so different from all the Fuci
previously known, clearly distinguishes this species. We have,
with Mr. Turner’s advice and concurrence, corrected the termination
of the specific name so as best to suit the lady whom
it commemorates.