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The intertidal algal flora of Isipingo Beach, Natal, South Africa, and its phycogeographical affinities

Helgoländer Meeresuntersuchungen volume 47, pages 145–160 (1993)Cite this article

Abstract

The intertidal seaweed flora of Isipingo Beach, Natal, is described. Isipingo Beach lies on the sub-tropical east coast of southern Africa and is the only east coast locality studied in detail by pioneering biogeographers. A total of 172 species (37 chlorophytes, 26 phaeophytes and 109 rhodophytes) are recorded. A phycogeographical analysis of 124 species with sufficiently documented distributions, shows that 69% are warm water species also known from the tropical coasts of Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. The phycogeographical affinity of the Isipingo flora is certainly with sub-tropical and tropical floras.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Botany Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa

    E. G. Farrell & A. T. Critchley

  2. Botany Department, University of Natal, POB 375, 3200, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

    M. E. Aken

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  1. E. G. Farrell
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  2. A. T. Critchley
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  3. M. E. Aken
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Farrell, E.G., Critchley, A.T. & Aken, M.E. The intertidal algal flora of Isipingo Beach, Natal, South Africa, and its phycogeographical affinities. Helgolander Meeresunters 47, 145–160 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02430355

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Helgoland Marine Research

ISSN: 1438-3888

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