Life History of Bryopsis plumosa (Hudson) Agardh (Chlorophyceae) in North Carolina, USA

Bryopsis plumosa (Hudson) Agardh occurred at an inshore North Carolina study site from January through May each year. Field and laboratory culture studies revealed that B. plumosa persists through summer and fall äs a branched prostrate microthallus stage. In culture, microthallus dormancy was difficult to break, but eventually microthalli were stimulated to produce spores which were released and quickly developed into erect pinnately branched fronds. All plants appeared macroscopically to be dioecious. However, microscopic observation of individual gametangia revealed that a small number of male gametes may be included in a female gametangium, and that a few female gametes may be included in a male gametangium.