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Reproduction
Mature receptacles, i.e. collections of reproductive organs, occur during
high and late summer in abundance on the upper areas of the branches.
Lateral branches of the first order have a sparse covering of 1,5 cm long
lance-like "leaves" and rounded bladders.
Japweed is monocieous,
i.e. the same plant has both male and female reproductive tissues, but
should not be mistaken for the more arbitary definition - hermaphrodite.
The eggs are fertilized on the outside of the female receptacle where
they stay for 1-2 days. During this period a quick cell division takes
place and the sprout developes a holdfast. Thereafter, the sprouts fall
to the bottom and attaches to the substrate while they are 0,14 - 0,6
mm in size.
Summer and winter appearance
Branches of japweed showing their summer and winter
appearance. Both forms have bladders, the summer form has lance-like
"leaves", while the winter form has oak-like "leaves".
Receptacles are present only in the summer form.
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