Loading AI tools
Genus of brown algae From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Desmarestia is a genus of brown algae found worldwide. It is also called acid weed, acidweed,[2][3] oseille de mer, sea sorrel,[4] ウルシグサ (urushi-gusa), stacheltang, mermaid's hair, landlady's wig, or gruagach.[5] However, 'sea sorrel' can also specifically refer to Desmarestia viridis. Members of this genus can be either annual or perennial.[6] Annual members of this genus store sulfuric acid in intracellular vacuoles. When exposed to air they release the acid, thereby destroying themselves and nearby seaweeds in the process. They are found in shallow intertidal zones.[6]
Desmarestia | |
---|---|
Desmarestia viridis | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
Clade: | SAR |
Clade: | Stramenopiles |
Phylum: | Gyrista |
Subphylum: | Ochrophytina |
Class: | Phaeophyceae |
Order: | Desmarestiales |
Family: | Desmarestiaceae |
Genus: | Desmarestia J.V.Lamouroux, 1813[1] |
Type species | |
Desmarestia aculeata |
Ingesting sulfuric acid can cause severe digestive disturbances.[7] but since sulfuric acid tastes extremely sour, members of the genus are unlikely to be eaten in harmful quantities.[7]
The genus was named in honor of Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest.[1]
AlgaeBase lists 32 currently accepted species within the genus Desmarestia, not including variations and subspecies.[6]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.