3 species seen most often; R. leptophylla, cylindrical stolon (horizontal "stem" like structure) from which blades grow, they fork once or twice near the tips, Grows to between 2 & 10 cm high. It is pinkish red and feels firm. R. novaehollandica (was R. sonderi), this is a robust plant, with a strong midrib in young plants. THis becomes a solid axis, with flattened and irregular branching tips. Grows to between 12 & 30 cm. Colour is rich red and can look milky pink underwater. R. wilsonis (was R. obtusa and Epymenia wilsonis) this is a flat plant with uneven branching. It has a firm stipe and a midrib that carries on into the lower part of the blade. Grows to between 10 & 25 cm. Pale pink-red when young becomes dark red to red-brown with age.

Depends upon species but the genus can be found from intertidal rock pools to subtidally in sheltered to open coasts.

Uses the suns energy for photosynthesis.

This is a large worldwide genus and is found particularly in warm areas. There have been 9 species reported from NZ, but they are poorly understood and are in need of more work.

NZ Seaweeds; An illustrated guide. Nelson