CONF E RVA tetri ca.
Dirty Red Conferva.
CRYPTOGAMIA Algae.
G e n . C h a r . Seeds produced within the substance of
the capillary or jointed frond, or in closed tubercles
united with it.
S p e c . C h a r . Dull red, much branched. Branches
triply and alternately pinnate; the points somewhat
curved. Joints twice or thrice as long as broad.
Capsules scattered, obovate, slightly stalked.
Syn. Conferva tetrica. Dillw. Conf. t. 8 1 .
G r o w s on stones and large sea-weeds in the sea. Mr. Dill-
wyn, who alone as far as we know has described this species,
mentions it as common near Swansea. Our specimen was
communicated to Mr. Turner from Bantry bay, Ireland, by
Miss Hutchins, a lady whose discoveries we shall have more
opportunities of recording. We rejoice in every fresh instance
of the application of taste and talents to so pleasing and commendable
a pursuit.
The stems are numerous, much branched, and tufted, 6 or
8 inches high, of a dull brownish red in the mass, and, according
to Mr. Dillwyn’s remark, wholly devoid of gloss.
The primary subdivisions are in the first instance doubly
pinnated in an alternate order, and each of their little branches
often again pinnated, the points somewhat curved. Joints
equal, about twice as long as broad; in the old parts still
longer. Capsules not quite sessile, obovate, scattered, mostly
solitary on the upper edges of a few of the ultimate little
branches.