Sarcothalia lanceata
Algae
Rhodophyta
Florideophyceae
Gigartinaceae
This seaweed has quite large blades , often covered with small knobbles, making it feel like a facecloth or towel. The parallel sided blades attach directly to the holdfast and can reach 60 cm in length. The plant is red but can turn green in strong light.
Found in the south island on exposed rocky shores. Usually found from low tide to shallow subtidal waters.
A producer using the sun to make energy.
Thew "knobbles" are reproductive structures. This seaweed can actually be used as a cloth in your bath!
Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz