Porphyra miniata f. cuneiformis, P. miniata var. cuneiformis

Description: Thallus is light pink, variable in shape, and can reach more than 100 cm (39 in) in length. It is very thin although it is actually two cell layers thick (distromatic). The margin of the blade often appears filmy because of scattered reproductive cells. Habitat: This species is often found on clam shells on sandy beaches at low tide in spring and early summer; it can also grow on rock. Similar taxa: Porphyra variegata, another distromatic species, is thicker, and the blade is sectored into separate male and female halves.