Gongolaria barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze, 1891

Marletta, Giuliana & Lombardo, Andrea, 2023, The Fucales (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae) of the Island of Pantelleria (Sicily Channel, Mediterranean Sea): a new contribution, Italian Botanist 15, pp. 137-163 : 137

Gongolaria barbata (Stackhouse) Kuntze

Fig. 15A-D

Abrotanifolia barbata Stackhouse. Basionym.

Cystoseira barbata var. hoppei (C. Agardh) J. Agardh, Cystoseira barbata f. hoppei (C. Agardh) Woronichin, Cystoseira hoppei C. Agardh, Fucus barbatus Goodenough & Woodward, Treptacantha barbata (Stackhouse) Orellana & Sansón. Synonyms.

Morphology of specimens from Pantelleria.

G. barbata is a non-caespitose species, attached to the substrate by a small discoid holdfast, from which a single trunk-like, cylindrical axis is issued. The apex is smooth and prominent, protruding above the insertion of primary branches. These are cylindrical, while higher order branches are filiform and can bear aerocysts, either isolated or in chains. During the monitoring activities, this species was found fertile. Receptacles are borne on terminal branchlets, are compact, single, cylindrical-lanceolate or spindle-shaped, sometimes with a terminal spine, and pedicellate when they grow over an aerocyst.

Habitat.

During the monitoring activities, this species was observed in the upper infralittoral (0.5-2 m) in sheltered habitats (such as rock pools) at Kuddie Rosse and Arenella.

Distribution.

G. barbata is widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea, and it also known from the Atlantic Ocean, in the Canary Islands and Savage Islands ( Blanfuné et al. 2022).

Remarks.

This species had not been reported from the island before.

Figures

Figure 15. Gongolaria barbata A habit B detail of aerocysts surmounted by receptacles C detail of spindle-shaped receptacles D Detail of prominent and smooth apex.