Commonly found growing on rocks in the high to middle intertidal zone of semi-protected to semi-exposed habitats from Alaska to Punta Baja, Baja California. Very common Northern and Central California; uncommon south of Santa Barbara.
Source: Marine Algae of California (MAC); Seaweeds of Alaska
Thalli is rarely taller than 15 cm, several branched blades appearing light red to reddish purple to yellowish. Thalli are covered in papillae giving a "rough and bumpy" appearance, similar to a rough washcloth.
Incredible variability in morphology of Mastocarpus papillatus, reflected in the large number of synonyms shown by this species.
Source: Marine Algae of California (MAC); Seaweeds of Alaska
Common name | Algae, Red Algae |
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Region | Alaska to British Columbia, Government Point to Mexico, San Francisco to Government Point, WA Olympic Coast to San Francisco |