Seasonal growth and reproduction of Gelidiopsis variabilis (Greville) Schmitz

Seasonal variations in growth, fruiting and sporulation of Gelidiopsis variabilis (Greville) Schmitz occurring on the Visakhapatnam coast have been described. Only tetrasporophytes and vegetative plants were found in the populations analysed for 21/2 yr and seasonal changes were more marked in the abundance of tetrasporophytcs formation of stichidia and in the spore output than in the stature of the plants. Maximum development of the plants was observed each year between October and January-February and peak reproductive activity from July to September.