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Genus (i.e. Fucus)
Species (i.e. Gardneri)
Common Name (i.e. Rock Weed)
Phylum (i.e. Ochrophyta)
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Sea Cauliflower
Leathesia marina
Authority:
(Linnaeus) Areschoug
North Pacific Distribution:
Unalaska I., Alaska, to Baja California, Mexico; China; Korea; Japan; Russia.
Phylum:
Ochrophyta
Class:
Phaeophyceae
Order:
Ectocarpales
Family:
Chordariaceae
Former Scientific Names:
Chaetophora marina, Tremella difformis, Leathesia difformis
Description: Thallus forms distinctive yellowish-brown, hollow, globular cushions that are deeply convoluted. The individual fleshy thalli are 1-6 cm (0.4-2.4 in) across but may become larger as they grow into each other and form a bubbly carpet. Habitat: This annual species can be found on rock or as an epiphyte on other seaweeds in the high to low intertidal from protected to semi-exposed habitats. Similar taxa:  young Soranthera, Colpomenia bullosa, C. peregrina
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