OBSERVATIONS ON THE ECOLOGY OF BIFURCARIA BRASSICAEFORMIS (KÜTZ.) BARTON.

The article presents some facts on the ecology of Bifurcaria brassicaeformis, the only species of the Fucalis genus in South Africa, which forms extensive intertidal communities. B. brassicaeformis is an endemic species with a limited distribution range. It then briefly considers the complex current system off South African coasts and stresses that B. brassicaeformis is most typical of temperatures intermediate between those of the cold waters off the west coast and of the warm waters east of Cape Agulhas. In addition, the plant also occurs as a common rock-pool species especially in the lower half of the intertidal region. Other significant information related to the matter is also provided.