Plocamium cartilagineum (L.) P.S.Dixon

Thallus Size

Plocamium cartilagineum is an erect red alga that grows up to 10 centimeters long.

Main Axis Structure

Its main axis is flattened, with regular flattened branches growing from both sides.

Branch Length Arrangement

Branches alternate between long and short: short branches on one side of the axis lie opposite longer branches on the other side.

Secondary Branch Pattern

These longer branches bear two or three short, curved branches arranged in a series in a comb-like pattern.

Thallus Cortication

The entire thallus is corticated.

Similar Related Species

This species' branching pattern is similar to the other European Plocamium species, Plocamium lyngyanum and Plocamium maggsiae, which were only distinguished from each other and this species recently.

Habitat and Depth Range

This alga is common growing on rock in the lower littoral zone, and in deeper water down to 30 meters.

British Isles Distribution

It is common throughout the British Isles, including Shetland and the Channel Islands.

Global Distribution Range

Its overall distribution ranges from the Faeroes and Norway south to Senegal, and also includes the Mediterranean and the Canary Isles.

Reproductive System Type

This species is dioecious.

Male Reproductive Structures

Male reproductive structures are microscopic. Spermatangia are held in sori on the youngest branches.

Female Reproductive Structures

Female cystocarps grow up to 1 millimeter in diameter and form on the margins of the fronds.

Tetrasporangia Characteristics

Tetrasporangia are microscopic.