Chlorophyta, Order: Ulvales; Family: Ulvaceae. Current accepted name: Ulva linza Linnaeus

Etymology

Ulva (Enteromorpha) refers to the thallus’ tubular shape, which resembles an intestine; linza means ‘strap-like’.

Description

The Ulva (Enteromorpha) linza has an erect, green thallus, a large part of which is flattened. The edges of the thallus are sometimes curled. Its underside, close to the holdfast, is cylindrical and narrow, widening as it rises. The thallus is simple and unbranched. A microscopic overview shows proliferation, a slightly dented edge. The cells are arranged in vertical rows and sometimes also in lateral rows. They are either square or rectangular. The chloroplast resembles a lobe and has 1 Pyrenoid (rarely 2).

Size

The Ulva (Enteromorpha) linza reaches a height of several dozen centimetres (30 cm), and its width is several centimetres: 5 or more.

Colour

The Ulva (Enteromorpha) linza’s thallus is green, dark green or tending towards yellowish green. The thallus gets lighter upon maturity and exposure to light.

Special features

The Ulva (Enteromorpha) linza’s most significant feature is the arrangement of cells in rows and the gentle proliferation along the thallus’ edges. In the field, the thallus’ curly shape is the best identification aide. Sometimes the thallus contains gasses.

Habitat

The Ulva (Enteromorpha) linza appears mostly in the upper regions of the intertidal zone, in pools or on rocks, sometimes on a sandy substrate.

Biology and reproduction

As in Ulva (Enteromorpha) and Ulva (see entry).

Seasonality and distribution

Ulva (Enteromorpha) linza individuals can be found along nearly every shore the year round. The species is distributed more or less universally.

 

Key to species is available!