Lessoniaceae

Taxobox
name = Lessoniaceae

---

image_width = 200px
image_caption = "Macrocystis pyrifera"
domain = Eukaryota
regnum = Chromalveolata
phylum = Heterokontophyta
classis = Phaeophyceae
ordo = Laminariales
familia = Lessoniaceae

Lessoniaceae are a family of kelp. They are the largest of all algae, and are characterized by the single blade splitting into two. Some species have pneumatocysts at the base of their blades.

Taxonomy

The genera of this family can be hard to tell apart, but can be differentiated based on their habitat and the position of their pneumatocysts.
*"Lessonia" is relatively short, with multiple stipes, inhabiting intertidal or low tidal areas. This genus has no pneumatocysts.
*"Macrocystis" is the largest of the kelps, and has multiple stipes and multiple pneumatocysts on each stipe, with one blade each.
*"Nereocystis" has a single stipe, and a single pneumatocyst with multiple blades.
*"Pelagophycus" is much like "Nereocystis", but has two separate stalks emerging from the pneumatocyst, from which sprout the blades, earning it its nickname of "elk kelp."
*"Postelsia" is intertidal, and for most of the time is exposed to the air. It has a single upright stipe, no pneumatocyst, and multiple hanging blades.

Other genera are:
*"Dictyoneurum"
*"Lessoniopsis"

Distribution

The distribution of Lessoniaceae includes the northeastern Pacific Ocean and southern Australian coasts.

References

* [http://sn2000.taxonomy.nl/Main/Classification/116206.htm Systema Naturae 2000]