Corallina officinalis Linnaeus
Cúnach Trá (Gaeil.)
Description: Whitish-pink to lilac, calcified, articulated fronds,
60-70 (-120) mm high, axis cylindrical to compressed, repeatedly pinnate
from and expanded discoid base, branchng often irregular. Growth form very
variable, often stunted. In unfavourable habitats erect system vestigial,
but extensive base may be present.
Habitat: On rock, midtidal pools and drainage runnels, lower intertidal
and shallow subtidal, widespread and abundant, especially on exposed coasts.
Similar species: Jania squamata, a rare species in Ireland and Britain generally growing epiphytically in lower-shore rock pools,
has shield-shaped articulations and can be difficult to distinguish from C. officinalis. Corallina elongata is
smaller and more regularly branched; the recently described species C. caespitosa is more caespitose.
Link: AlgaeBase

Species list

