Nr. 1] SUBAÉRIAL ALGAE FROM SOUTH AFRICA 29 
Trentepohlia lagenifera (HiLDEBRANDT) WILLE var. africana 
nov. var. [P1]. V, Fig. 201—220]. 
A forma typica differt filis curvatis et ramosissimis, massas 
cellularum paene pseudopareneymaticas formantibus. Omnibus par- 
tibus etiam minor, cellulis vulgo 4—7 u latis. Gametangiis diametro 
12—18 u- 
This alga forms extensive brownish-green or yellowish-brown 
lustreless coatings on trunks of trees. The filaments are character- 
istie in being curved and much ramified; long, straight filaments 
occurring only very rarely. The cells are rather varying both as to 
size and shape, usually ellipsoid or ovoid, inflated, 4—7 u broad, 
and 1%—2 times as long. At times some few filaments are to be 
found with more cylindric cells, not inflated, or only slightly so, 3—4 
times as long as broad. The chromatophore in younger cells is one 
or å couple of lengthened parietal ribbons or slabs, with even or 
slightly incised edges. Å pyrenoid is wanting. In older cells the 
chromatophore is often divided into several smaller parietal dises. 
The gametangies are very varying both in shape and size. However, 
they are usually larger, sometimes considerably larger than the 
vegetative cells, roundish when young, later on commonly more 
lengthened, to nearly pyriform. They are formed singly or several 
in series, terminal or intercalary. Only towards the time of ripening 
the gametangies get the protruding beak so characteristic of the 
species, and through which the gametes escape. The length of this 
beak is very varying, commonly 3—4 u. The diameter of the 
gametangies is usually 12—18 u. The gametes are ovoid, and are 
formed in åa great number in each gametangium. The species are 
very frequently to be found with gametangies. 
This alga is one of the commonest subaérial algae from the en- 
virons of Durban, where I have found it in the following samples: 
3, 15, 28, 32, 71, 73, 78, 83, 88, 89, 90, 92, 115, 117, 120, 124, 132, 148, 
158, 245, and 265). 
In one single sample from Saldanha Bay occurred specimens 
somewhat differing in the shape of the vegetative cells, being 
distinguished by spherical cells or nearly so, which usually formed 
short filaments, consisting of few cells only. (Vide pl. VI, fig. 
221—228). Mostly were found only 2—3—4-celled filaments; very 
common were also single cells, exhibiting one or two flattened parts 
at the original eross-wall (fig. 228). The diameter of the cell was 
usually somewhat larger than common, regularly 9—11 u. Tr. 
lagenifera, however, is rather unanimously characterized as a very 
po ymorphous species. Comp. for instance RABENHORST'Ss pictures in 
FI. Europ. Algar. III, p. 300, fig. 104. Figure h in the plate mentioned 
thus very much recalls the specimens in question found by me in 
South Africa. At times may also among these specimens be seen 
individuals forming larger and ramified filaments, which shows 
