Neorhodomela larix (Turner) Masuda, 1982

Taxonomy and Common Name

Neorhodomela larix, commonly called black pine, is a species of red algae.

Distribution

It is native to coastal areas of the North Pacific, ranging from Mexico to the Bering Sea to Japan.

Growth Habit

This alga grows in dense mats on semi-exposed intertidal rocks.

Thallus Morphology

Its thallus ranges from dark brown to black in color, and has whorled branches that look similar to bottlebrush bristles or the branches of a pine tree.

Epiphyte Association

In terms of ecology, the brown alga Soranthera ulvoidea commonly grows as an epiphyte on Neorhodomela species, particularly on N. larix.

Host-Related Morphological Variation in Epiphyte

Isabella Abbott observed that Soranthera individuals that use Neorhodomela species as a host differ from Soranthera that grow on other hosts: they tend to have broader attachment points, thicker walls, and a spherical shape, and they are found mostly in northern or central California.