Rhodophyllis divaricata

Scientific Name: Rhodophyllis divaricata

Number of Blades/Leaves: Multiple 

Blade/Leaf Width: 7cm-22cm

Color: Red to Brown

Distribution: Rhodophyllis divaricata is widespread in the British Isles including the Shetlands and Channel Islands, but very rare on the eastern shores of England. It is also commonly found in Europe; Mediterranean, Azores, Portugal, Spain, France and the Baltic. Further afield: Canary Islands

Description: Red algae or Rhodophyta (rhodon, meaning 'rose', and phyton, meaning 'plant'), are one of the oldest groups of eukaryotic algae. The Rhodophyta also comprises one of the largest phyla of algae, containing over 7,000 currently recognized species with taxonomic revisions ongoing. Thallus rising from a discoid holdfast forming a thin blade up to 12 cms long, irregularly dichotomously branched but very variable. Often branching from the margins.