A Note on the Possible Reproductive Structures in Kenyan Udotea Orientalis A. & E. S. Gepp, (Chlorophyta)

Udotea orientalis is widespread along the Kenya coast but it is generally less common than U. indica A. & E. S. Gepp. A third species U. flabellum (Ell. & Soland) Howe has been recorded for the Kenya coast (Isaac, 1967), but so far has only been found in the Lamu region (personal communication). U. orientalis is primarily an alga of quiet or protected waters such as those to seaward of mangroves and in lagoons. It is sometimes found in more exposed situations but not so much as U. indica. The morphology of Udotea is well known and has been fully described by Gepp (1911). There is, however, no certain information and few published records of the reproductive structures, and hence it is worthwhile recording the observations made on the Kenya material of U. orientalis.