Sargassaceae

views updated

Sargassaceae (order Fucales) A family of brown seaweeds in which the thallus shows monopodial branching; i.e., there is always a distinct main axis. Air bladders are present. Species of the genus Sargassum are found in warmer regions and occur in huge floating masses, particularly in the Sargasso Sea. See also JAPWEED and TRAMP SPECIES.