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Encyclopedia of Modern Coral Reefs pp 535–539Cite as

Halimeda

  • Reference work entry

Part of the Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series book series (EESS)

Synonyms

Siphonales (in older literature); Siphonous algae

Definition

Halimeda is a genus of warm temperate to tropical macroalgae classified into

  • Phylum: Chlorophyta

  • Class: Bryopsidophyceae

  • Order: Bryopsidales

  • Family: Halimedaceae

  • Genus: Halimeda

Phytochemistry

Photosynthetic pigments

Halimeda chloroplasts contain the characteristic photosynthetic pigments of the Chlorophyta, plus siphonoxanthin and siphonein, which are specific to the Bryopsidales.

Cell wall

Halimeda and most other Bryopsidales have cell walls composed of a xylose-based β-1–3 linked xylan, not the glucose-based cellulose found in all other Chlorophyta.

General

Author’s Halimeda Web site:

http://members.iinet.net.au/∼edrew1/halimeda/halimeda.htm

Appearance

Halimedathalli are composed of branching chains of calcified green segments joined together by flexible, uncalcified nodes. The thalli may be erect, pendant, or sprawling. They may grow up to 25 cm high or cover over 1 m if sprawling. They are anchored by...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 21 Bishop Street, Q 4810, Belgian Gardens, Townsville, QLD, Australia

    Edward Drew

Authors
  1. Edward Drew
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. James Cook University, Townsville, Australia

    David Hopley

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Drew, E. (2011). Halimeda. In: Hopley, D. (eds) Encyclopedia of Modern Coral Reefs. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2639-2_92

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