Symploca symbiotica N.L.Gardner

  • Authority

    Gardner, Nathaniel L. 1927. New Myxophyceae from Porto Rico. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 7: 1-144. pl. 1-23.

  • Family

    Phormidiaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Symploca symbiotica N.L.Gardner

  • Description

    Species Description - Filaments forming dense spindle-shaped fascicles by growing into the gelatinous tegument of the host, extending its entire length, and in many instances destroying it, moderately straight and parallel, up to 200 associated in a fascicle; trichomes pale aeruginous, tinged with yellow; neither constricted nor tapering at the apices, 0.6-0.8 µ diam.; cells 3-5 times as long as the diameter, homogeneous; sheath very thin and hyaline; not discernible when within the gelatinous tegument of the host.

    Distribution and Ecology - Growing in association, for the most part within the sheath of Microcoleus sociatus G. S. West, on a wall in Fort San Cristobal, San Juan, no. 2021 h, type.

  • Discussion

    PLATE 10, FIGURE 93

    This very diminutive and decidedly unique member of the Myxophyceae presents important difficulties to one in attempting to classify it. Its position within the tegument of Microcoleus may be the determining factor in causing it to resemble Symploca in habit without having any real affinities with that genus. No branching was observed.