Red opuntia • Opuntiella californica
Photos by Jenn Burt (top right) and Sandra Lindstrom. Left image is specimen collection number PTM 461 in the UBC Herbarium Algae Database; bottom right image is collection number 406. Search the specimens in the database for more information, or or search the species for further occurrences.
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Identification
This red seaweed is easily identified by its unique branching pattern. From the margins of a single, central blade, grow numerous dark red, somewhat round blades. From the margins of these blades grow similar blades, creating a circular, rather unusual branching pattern. The blades are quite thick, and attached to a small, disc-shaped holdfast via a small stipe. This species can grow up to 20 cm in tall and 30 cm wide. At the base of some blades, you may find a faint midrib. Click here for more images.
Similar Species
Turnerella mertensiana is similar in colour and growth form. However, its lack of stipe and irregularly-shaped blades (less round) distinguish it from Opuntiella californica.
Habitat and Range
This species grows in rocky semi-protected to exposed habitats from the low intertidal to depths of 20 m. It range extends from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/349218-Opuntiella-californica
This red seaweed is easily identified by its unique branching pattern. From the margins of a single, central blade, grow numerous dark red, somewhat round blades. From the margins of these blades grow similar blades, creating a circular, rather unusual branching pattern. The blades are quite thick, and attached to a small, disc-shaped holdfast via a small stipe. This species can grow up to 20 cm in tall and 30 cm wide. At the base of some blades, you may find a faint midrib. Click here for more images.
Similar Species
Turnerella mertensiana is similar in colour and growth form. However, its lack of stipe and irregularly-shaped blades (less round) distinguish it from Opuntiella californica.
Habitat and Range
This species grows in rocky semi-protected to exposed habitats from the low intertidal to depths of 20 m. It range extends from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.
iNaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/349218-Opuntiella-californica
References
Druehl, L. 2000. Pacific Seaweeds: A guide to common seaweeds of the west coast. Harbour Publishing: Madeira Park, BC, Canada. Pp. 119.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Lindberg, M. and Lindstrom, S. (2010). Opuntiella californica. Seaweeds of Alaska. Accessed 2015-11-0
O'Clair, R. and Lindstrom, S. Opuntiella californica (Nutt.) Haw. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Ed.). E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 2015-11-09.
Authors and editors of page
Beatrice Proudfoot and Kelly Fretwell (2015)
Druehl, L. 2000. Pacific Seaweeds: A guide to common seaweeds of the west coast. Harbour Publishing: Madeira Park, BC, Canada. Pp. 119.
Lamb, A., and Hanby, B. (2005). Marine Life of the Pacific Northwest [electronic version]. Madeira Park, BC: Harbour Publishing.
Lindberg, M. and Lindstrom, S. (2010). Opuntiella californica. Seaweeds of Alaska. Accessed 2015-11-0
O'Clair, R. and Lindstrom, S. Opuntiella californica (Nutt.) Haw. In Klinkenberg, Brian. (Ed.). E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Accessed 2015-11-09.
Authors and editors of page
Beatrice Proudfoot and Kelly Fretwell (2015)