Tolypella intricata
Tolypella intricata (Roth)Leonh.
Streptophyta: Nitellaceae
Conservation status. Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(i,ii,iii); C1].
Morphology and biology. Thallus 10–25 cm high, with internodes almost equal in length, always with slight calcareous incrustations. The branches (‘leaves’) are ramified; sterile branches have 1–2 nodes, while fertile branches have 2–3 (4) nodes. In the nodes there are two types of branches (‘leaves’): 6–7 of normal length and numerous shorter, additional branches. The number of the additional leaves varies significantly and therefore the nodes differ in their density. Monoecious algae, in which the sexual organs are situated together (1–9 oogonia and one antheridium at the node of the branch); visible with the naked eye.
Habitats and populations. Stagnant clear waters.
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rhodopi Mts (Western – limited only to the region of Beglika).
General distribution. Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Threats. Habitat destruction due to active building processes and direct collection by tourists.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the “Red List of Bulgarian algae. I. Macroalgae”.
Conservation measures needed. Control on building activities in the region of Beglika; environmental education of the population.
References. Petkoff 1913, 1914; Wodenitscharov 1963; Vodenicharov et al. 1971; Temniskova et al. 2005; Blaženčić et al. 2006; Temniskova & Kirjakov 2006; Temniskova et al. 2008.
Authors: Dobrina Temniskova & Maya Stoyneva
