Callithamnion is a type of algae. It belongs to the family Callithamniaceae. It’s an interesting plant that loves to live in water.
It was first described by a Danish botanist named Hans Christian Lyngbye in 1819. The main species of this algae is called Callithamnion corymbosum.
Where Can You Find Callithamnion?
You can find Callithamnion in many places around the world. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, which means it’s found all over the globe.
In Europe, it’s found in Norway and Great Britain. It’s also found in Australia and America, including Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Georgia.
In Canada, it’s found in Newfoundland. You can also find it in Sri Lanka and South Africa.
What Changes Has Callithamnion Undergone?
The history of Callithamnion has seen 2 major changes. First, in 1861, Carl Nägeli moved some species to other groups like Antithamnion, Rhodochorton, and Acrochaetium.
Then, in 1941, Genevieve Feldmann-Mazoyer made a new group for some species. She named this group Aglaothamnion.
Today, some people think Aglaothamnion is just another name for Callithamnion.
What Does Callithamnion Look Like?
Callithamnion is a red alga. It’s monaxial, which means it has only one axis. It has free filaments and is usually small. It’s also erect and can grow up to 10 cm tall.
It has irregular branching and multi-nucleate cells. In most species, it has sexual and asexual stages throughout the year.
However, Callithamnion tends to be fertile in the late summer and autumn.
What Are Some Species of Callithamnion?
There are many species of Callithamnion. Some of them are:
- Callithamnion acutum,
- Callithamnion aglaothamniodes,
- Callithamnion apiculatum,
- Callithamnion arborescens,
- Callithamnion arrawarricum,
- Callithamnion axillare,
- Callithamnion biseriatum,
- Callithamnion bisporum,
- Callithamnion brachygonum,
- Callithamnion callithamnioides, etc.
These species vary in their characteristics and are found in different parts of the world.
You can check out what this plant looks like over here.
Callithamnion Characteristics
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Is Palatable? | Yes |
| Maximum Size: | 4 in (10.2 cm) |
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Order: | Ceramiales |
| Family: | Callithamniaceae |
| Genus: | Callithamnion |
| Scientific Name: | Callithamnion |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |