2.3. Germination experiments
The collection and preparation of P. umbilicalis used
in these germination experiments were as follows: 5–
20 g of reproductively mature P. umbilicalis was
haphazardly collected from the mid-intertidal zone. The
thalli were collected just after emersion during early
morning low tides, loosely wrapped in paper towels,
placed on ice, and transported back to the lab within 2 h.
Neutral spores were obtained by the methods described
above. The percentage of germinated spores was
determined over a 7 d period for each experiment