Desmarestia
Brown algae genus that stores sulfuric acid in vacuoles.
Desmarestia is a genus of brown algae with a global distribution, known by common names such as acid weed, acid kelp, sea sorrel, mermaid's hair, and landlady's wig. Some of its species are annual, while others are perennial. The annual types store sulfuric acid inside their cells; if they are exposed to air, the acid is released, causing the algae to self-destruct and also damaging any seaweed nearby. These algae typically grow in shallow intertidal zones. Although ingesting sulfuric acid can lead to serious digestive problems, the extreme sour taste of the acid makes it unlikely that anyone would eat enough to cause harm. The genus was named after Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest.
AlgaeBase recognizes 32 accepted species within Desmarestia, not counting varieties or subspecies. Among them are *Desmarestia aculeata*, the type specimen for the genus; *Desmarestia viridis*, which is also specifically called sea sorrel; and *Desmarestia tropica*, known as tropical acidweed.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Desmarestia
- Type Species
- Desmarestia aculeata
- Type Species Authority
- (L.) J.V.Lamouroux
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The genus Desmarestia was named in honor of Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest. Members of this genus can be either annual or perennial. Annual members store sulfuric acid in intracellular vacuoles; when exposed to air they release the acid, thereby destroying themselves and nearby seaweeds in the process. They are found in shallow intertidal zones.
Ingesting sulfuric acid can cause severe digestive disturbances, but since sulfuric acid tastes extremely sour, members of the genus are unlikely to be eaten in harmful quantities. The common name 'sea sorrel' can also specifically refer to Desmarestia viridis, which is also known as stringy acid kelp, green acid kelp, Desmarest's green weed, or sea sorrel.
Reader's Guide
Desmarestia is significant as a genus of brown algae found worldwide, distinguished by the unique chemical defense of annual species that store sulfuric acid in intracellular vacuoles. This acid is released upon exposure to air, causing self-destruction and damage to nearby seaweeds, a notable adaptation in shallow intertidal zones. The genus was named after Anselme Gaëtan Desmarest. AlgaeBase lists 32 currently accepted species within the genus, not including variations and subspecies, with Desmarestia aculeata as the type specimen. The sour taste of the sulfuric acid makes harmful ingestion unlikely despite the potential for severe digestive disturbances. The legacy of Desmarestia includes its various common names—acid weed, acid kelp, acidweed, sea sorrel, mermaid's hair, and landlady's wig—and the specific designation of 'sea sorrel' for Desmarestia viridis. The genus includes both annual and perennial species, with the acid-storing trait confined to annual members.
Did You Know?
- Annual members of Desmarestia store sulfuric acid in intracellular vacuoles.
- When exposed to air, Desmarestia releases sulfuric acid, destroying itself and nearby seaweeds.
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