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Name derivation:
Shaped like an intestine. Enteromorpha intestinalis (= Ulva intestinalis)- common names water gut, sea grass, maiden hair and link confetti Enteromorpha linza (= Ulva linza)- common names= water gut, sea grass, maiden hair
Classification:
Enteromorpha Link in Nees, 1820; there are 617 species of which currently 23 have been accepted taxonomically. Order Ulvales; Family Ulvaceae
Morphology:
Usually a hollow tube composed of one layer of cells, but some species (E. linza) may grade from a hollow tube to a distromatic blade.
Similar genera:
Presently considered to be a synonym of the genus Ulva based upon recent molecular studies.
Habitat:
Many species are typically found in estuarine and disturbed sites, often in association with enhanced eutrophication.
References:
Burrows, E. M. 1991. Seaweeds of the British Isles. Vol. 2. Chlorophyta. Natural History Museum, London, Publ. xii + 238 pp., 9 pls. Guiry, M.D. and G.M. Guiry 2013. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 2 August 2013. Link, H.F. 1820. Epistola ad virum celeberrimum Nees ab Esenbeck...de algis aquaticis, in genera disponendis. In: Horae physicae berolinenses. (Nees von Esenbeck, C.G.D. Eds), pp. 1-8. Bonnae [Bonn]: Sumtibus Adolphi Marcus. Taylor, W. R. 1957. Marine Algae of the Northeastern Coast of North America. Revised edition. Univ. Michigan Press., Ann Arbor, ix + 509 pp