A rubbery feeling plant. Usually appearing as small bushy clumps. This alga has flat blades which fork. It tends to be dull purple in colour but can bleach to olive green, especially on the outer blades, in sunlight.

Found on very exposed shorelines from mid tide to low tide.

A producer using the sun for energy

The fleshy attachments on the sides of the blades are reproductive structures.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz