Prionitis sternbergii

Bleachweed

Authority: (C.Agardh) J.Agardh

This species smells similar to bleach. Thallus is strap-like, dark reddish brown to almost black, abundantly branched to several orders from a main axis, to 40 cm (16 in) tall. Branches thick, flattened, with abundant lateral proliferations, at first like small, narrow teeth but enlarging into lanceolate bladelets.

Habitat

This species is perennial and occurs on rock in the low intertidal or in tidepools of semi-protected to exposed habitats.

North Pacific Distribution

Yakutat, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico

Former scientific names

Sphaerococcus sternbergii, Prionitis lyallii, Prionitis andersoniana, Prionitis jubata

Similar taxa

Prionitisspp.

References

AlgaeBase (opens in a new tab)

Last updated December 26, 2010