OBSERVATIONS ON THE GENUS BLIDINGIA (CHLOROPHYTA) IN CALIFORNIA1

The green algal genus Blidingia (Ulvales), reported for the first time in California only 4 years ago, is now found to be fairly widely distributed there as B. minima (Nägeli ex Kützing) Kylin var. minima. B. minima var. subsalsa (Kjellman) Seagal is now recorded for California. Ulva vexata Setchell and Gardner [Enteromorpha vexata (Setch. & Gardn.) Doty] is reduced to varietal status as B. minima var. vexata, and is reported, to be found in 2 ecological forms. Forms with expanded, ulvoid blades are common to exposed localities and is the form described by Setchell & Gardner. Smaller, narrower, enteromorphoid forms are found near river mouths and are the kind referred to by Doty. There are many intermediate forms of this variety. Characters which are used to separate Blidingia from Enteromorpha are critically evaluated.