Helminthora divaricata (C. Agardh) J. Agardh
Description: Cylindrical, softly gelatinous, pale pinkish or reddish-brown fronds, 2 mm wide, 300 mm long. Much branched, ultimate branchlets short, irregular, holdfast small, discoid.
Habitat: A summer annual (May or June-September or October), solely epiphytic on Polyides rotundus in lower tidal pools and in the shallow subtidal, widely distributed on western and south-western coasts, sporadic but often locally abundant, particularly in large, sandy pools.
Similar species: Nemalion helminthoides is broader, deeper red in colour, and does not have as many branches; however, Nemalion does not occur in pools.
Key characteristics: Association with Polyides rotundus; gelatinous consistency, and profuse, almost pinnate branches.
Distribution: Sweden, W and SW Britain and Ireland, apparently south to Atlantic Spain. Mediterranean records require further study, particularly since the host does not occur there.
seaweed GUIDE book
Seaweeds -
A colour identification guide to seaweeds of the World. By Wolfram Braune & Michael Guiry. In English. More information.
Advertising
Acadian Seaplants is a diversified, technology-based manufacturer of natural, specialty fertilizers, feed, food, food ingredients and brewery supplies derived from select species of marine plants. Link.
Koeltz Scientific Books has the largest holdings of seaweed and algal books in the world. Search their on-line database.
Irish Seaweeds Ltd. Suppliers of 100% natural hand-harvested seaweeds and edible sea vegetable products from Ireland. Link
