3 5 [ 5995 ]
C O N F E R V A vaginata.
Sheathed Conferva.
CRYPTOGAMIA Algce.
Gen. Char. Seeds produced within the substance of
the capillary or jointed frond, or-in closed tubercles
united with it.
Spec. Char. Glaucous-green, branched, cylindrical,
obscurely jointed. Joints as broad as long. Several
branches embraced in one sheathing membrane.
Syn. Conferva vaginata. Dillw. Conf. t. 99.
Oscillatoria vaginata. Voucher Conf. 200. t. 1 5 . f . 13,
T h i s it seems is not an uncommon production. We have
seen it on the earth of garden pots, and running up their
insides, at Norwich, in the damp months of winter, but
could never see its structure to our satisfaction, Mr. Sowerby
has observed it at Mead Place, Lambeth, and has received it
from several friends. The specimens in the annexed plate
were found by Mr. Borrer, forming patches several inches
wide,. on footpaths at Hurst Perepoint, Sussex, in December
last.
The fronds' grow close to the ground, or garden pot,
crossing each other, branching, and forming a sort of irregular
network of a more or less glaucous green hue, sometimes
nearly black, slippery and moist to the touch, soon withering
when gathered, but as soon reviving by the accession of
moisture. The filaments when examined separately are verv
pale and pellucid, with scarcely perceptible but- very regular
joints, about as broad as long. Several filaments are embraced
in one common membranous very delicate tubular
sheath, which is peculiar. Here and there are found lateral
balls, resembling the fruit of some Confervce} but containing
Coiled filaments,