Mshigeni, Keto E.2020-07-212020-07-211976Mshigeni, K.E., 1976. Holdfast and shoot differentiation in the sporelings of Hypnea cervicornis J. Agardh (Rhodophyta, Gigartinales).doi.org/10.1515/botm.1976.19.4.223http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/567Holdfast and shoot differentiation in the Sporelings of Hypnea cervicornis J. Agardh has been investigated for the first time. It was observed that the holdfasts of this species are not simple unicellular structures but consist of large masses of cells differentiated from amongst the superficial cells at the points of contact with the substratum. After or during holdfast differentiation, the morula-like mass of cells produced shoot Initials. One to four Initials were ob-served. When three or more initials were differentiated at the same time, stellate stages were formed. The stellate stages in Hypnea ontogeny are discussed with reference to similai structures reported in taxonomic literature äs diagnostic criteria for H. cornuta (Lamour.) J. AgardhenHoldfastShoot DifferentiationArticle