Basque Beret

Codium bursa is a green marine algae of medium size.

Description

Codium bursa is a marine alga growing to 30 cm across. It generally appears as a spongy sphere of utricles which at the surface form a cortex. It is composed of loosely packed filaments which at the surface form a cortex of utricles which are single celled bladder-like or club-shaped structures. It has a velvety texture and is dark green in colour. The alga is attached by a holdfast of filaments.

Distribution

Rare in the British Isles, the most recent record was in 1977 from County Donegal. Also recorded from other countries in Europe.

Habitat

Codium bursa grows sublittorally attached to rock to 10 m deep.