Gelidium pusillum (Stackhouse) Le Jolis
Description: Cartilaginous, brownish-red or purplish-red when wet and black or blackish-red when very, turf-forming, 2-10 mm high, arising from an extensive creeping base and incorporating shell debris and small gastropods. Erect and reproductive fronds flattened and leaf-like and 0.5-2 mm broad; apices spoon-shaped where tetrasporangia are being formed (above in the wild, and below). Tetrasporangia initially in fairly regular rows, later becoming scattered (dark dots below). Reproduction in mainy in winter.
Habitat: On rock in upper intertidal forming extensive mat-like growths just below Pelvetia canaliculata, particularly
on vertical or near-vertical surfaces; extending lower on the shore in wave-sheltered habitats. Occasionally associated with Catenella opuntia and Rhodochorton purpureum. Widely distributed, common.
Similar species: Catenella caespitosa also forms turf- or mat-like extensions but is
softer has has the appearance of small cocktail sausages.
Key characteristics: Turf formation in the upper intertidal, blackish-red colour when dry, extensive rhizoids, and flattened reproductive fronds.
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