The distribution of Prasiola calophylla (Carmich.) Menegh. (Chlorophyta) in Antarctic freshwater and terrestrial habitats

Abstract

Specimens of Prasiola collected from habitats not experiencing nutrient enrichment from birds are considered to be P. calophylla. The alga has three distinct growth forms; uniseriate filaments, narrow ribbons and expanded sheets. Reproduction is by aplanospores and fragmentation of the thallus. The known Antarctic distribution is disjunct with only two records outside Victoria Land. However, it is widespread in the latter region. The alga is absent from areas where there are high salt concentrations in waters and soils. Elsewhere it is common in streams and on water-flushed ground as well as occurring on terminal ice-faces of glaciers and as chasmoendolithic growths. Ribbons are found mostly on the lower surfaces of stones, and uniseriate filaments on the exposed surfaces of the stream beds of seasonal melt streams. Expanded sheets occur in less vigorous water flows. There is a need for further culture and field studies in order to understand the factors which control morphological development and distribution patterns.