Polymorphism of <I>Grateloupia</I> C. Agardh (Halymeniaceae-Rhodophyta) in the estuary of Complexo Lagunar de Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The polymorphic thallus of G. doryphora and G. filicina were followed for the first time in Brazil in the estuary of the Complexo Lagunar de Jacarepaguá, Rio de Janeiro. These morphogenesis result from patterns of growth, showing a seasonal periodicity of dominant forms. The sporophytic plants are more frequent than the gametophytic, but there is not a relation between the reproductive phases and the thallus form. G. cuneifolia's references in brasilian coast must belong to G. doryphora, which is differentiated from G. filicina by the variety of habit and the anatomy, having no intermediated forms among them.