Division Rhodophyta Family Hildenbrandiaceae Rank Genus | Class Florideophyceae Phylum Rhodophyta Order Hildenbrandiales | |
Similar Hildenbrandiales, Hildenbrandia, Erythrotrichia, Carpophyllum maschalocarpum, Stylonematophyceae | ||
Apophlaea is a genus of thalloid algae comprising two species, both from the high intertidal zone on New Zealand's coasts. Specimens can reach around 15 cm in size. The thalli take a crustose form, but also contain upright, branching frond-like protrusions that reach 5–8 cm in height. Secondary pit connections and secondary pit connectionsare present in the organisms. Apophlaea reproduces by means of conceptacles; it produces tetraspores.
It is notable for its symbiotic relationship with certain fungi. Despite its unusual morphology, molecular systematics, along with its zoned tetrasporangia borne in conceptacles with a single opening, place it within the Hildenbrandiales.
The algae are resistant to both U-V radiation and desiccation, allowing them to thrive in intertidal settings. Indeed, they can resume almost full photosynthesis just minutes after losing 95% of their tissue water.