8o 
i. Umbellulifera striata (Thomson and Henderson). 
Synonyms: Paraspongodes striata Thomson and Henderson. 
Dendronephtliya umbellulifera Kukenthal. 
For description see: 
Kukenthal, Zool. Jahrb. XXI, 1905, p. 629, pi. 29, fig. 31 ; and Wiss. Ergebn. deutsch. 
Tiefsee-Exped., 1906, XIII, p. 82. 
Thomson and Henderson, Ceylon Pearl Oyster Report, 1905, p. 277, pi. 2, figs. 2 and 7. 
Stat. 79. 2°43 / S., H7 0 44'E. 41 — 54 M. Fine coralsand. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 164. i°42 / .5 S., i30 / 47 / -5 E. 32 M. Sand, small stones and shells. 4 Ex. 
Stat. 213. Saleyer. 18 — 45 M. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 240. Banda-anchorage. 9— 45 M. Black sand. Coral. Lithothamnion-bank in 18—36 M. 1 Ex. 
Stat. 282. 8°25 / .2S., I27 °i 8 / .4E. 27 — 54 M. Sand, coral and Lithothamnion. 2 Ex. 
Stat. 315. Anchorage East of Sailus Besar, Paternoster-islands. Up to 36 M. Coral and Litho¬ 
thamnion. 1 Ex. 
This species was originally described by Thomson and Henderson under the name Para¬ 
spongodes striata for “A specimen without Stiitzbiindel”. Kukenthal suggested that in all 
probability it was a Dendronephthya and called it Dendronephtliya umbellulifera. Thomson and 
Mackinnon, in describing the Alcyonaria collected on the Percy Sladen Trust Expedition, 
accepted Kukenthal’s suggestion that the “Stiitzbiindel” justified its inclusion in the genus 
Dendronephtliya , but said “Three specimens of a greyish brown and yellowish brown colour are 
referable to this somewhat deceptive species ( umbellulifera ) of Dendronephthya, which shows 
very little ‘StiitzbundeP. The ‘Stiitzbiindel’ is very inconspicuous and poorly developed and 
seemed at first sight absent. This deceptive appearance led to a previous reference of similar 
forms to the genus Paraspongodes”. 
An examination of a large number of specimens which undoubtedly belong to this species 
has convinced us that the tendency to strengthening of the polyp stalk is not within the 
definition of “supporting bundle”. For this reason and the others cited above, we feel justified 
in establishing a new genus. 
This species is marked by ( a ) the small close-set umbels which are grouped into larger 
umbels; ( b ) the transverse striation of the branches: (e) the absence or paucity of spicules in 
the canal walls; (d) the abundant presence of small spicules in the glistening cortex and (e) the 
character of these spicules. In general form these spicules agree closely with those of U. peta- 
sites n. sp., and include irregular capstans, minute simple capstans and rough double spheres. 
The spindles of the polyp stalk show a more or less distinct longitudinal grouping, but 
not definite enough to justify the title “supporting bundle”. 
The anthocodial armature consists of 8 — 10 more or less definite double rows, those on 
the dorso-median line being the strongest. They diminish in number and strength towards the 
ventral surface, where two of the eight sets may be entirely absent. 
In the collection there are numerous colonies all showing the same type of vegetative growth. 
One specimen from Station 79 resembles that figured in the Ceylon Report. It has a 
total height of 14 cm. The sterile stalk is 5.5 cms. in length. It divides into two main branches, 
which rise for about 6 cms. before they re-divide and bear the umbels. The colour is greyish yellow. 
There are several specimens from Station 164. The most remarkable of these is a tall 
colony with a sterile stalk 10 cm. long. At the top it bifurcates. One of the branches is barren. 
