Ericaria crinita (Duby) Molinari & Guiry 2020

Ericaria crinita

Cystoseira crinita Duby 1830, Carpodesmia crinita (Duby) Orellana & Sansón 2019

A short, up to 30cm tall, but densely growing caespitose algae, dark brown in coloration and a prominent, spiny appearance, resembling a terrestrial evergreen shrub. The young, apical parts are noticeably iridescent. Fertile year round, but primarily in late spring and early summer.

Intertidal and upper subtidal, prefers lightly or moderately exposed areas.

Widespread and common, but shows signs of regression in many areas, mostly due to obvious urchin overgrazing and calcification.