Pterocladiella capillacea (S.G. Gmelin) Santelices & Hommersand
Also known as Pterocladia capillacea (S.G. Gmelin) Bornet & Thuret and Branched Wing Weed (English).
Description: Cartilaginous, dark purplish-red,
flattened fronds, 2 mm wide, to 200 mm high. Pinnate or
bipinnate, often bare at base (above), branches opposite or
alternate, often tapering at both ends; distinctly pyramidal in
outline. Fronds in loose tufts from a rhizoidal base.
Habitat: In large pools and lagoons in the
lower intertidal and shallow subtidal, widely distributed on
south and south-western shores, never common.
Similar species: Gelidium corneum, not
included here, is known only a restricted number of localities
in SW Britain (mostly Cornwall), although it is much commoner in
N France, Spain and Portugal; this species is larger and
relatively less flattened and requires expert identification.
Key characteristics: Larger, darker and more
purplish-red than
G. pulchellum; normally, Pterocladiella is not found fringing the
edges of pools like the latter. Main axes are generally more
flattened and apices more obtuse than G. pulchellum. It
is generally an elegant and beautiful plant.
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