Mazzaella splendens
Color: Red (Purpleish, Iridescent)
Shape: Sheet
Texture: Smooth
Size: Up to 3’+
Zone: Intertidal to Subtidal
Range: Alaska to Mexico
Description: This seaweed appears sheet-like but is an irregular blade attached to a very short, small stipe and holdfast. It is distinguished by its iridescent sheen when wet.
Edibility: Edible
Distinctive characteristics: Used to make carrageen
Collection notes:
Phylum: Rhodophyta (Red Algae)
Previous names: Iridaea cordata, Iridae splendens, Gigartina cordata, Iridophhycus splendens, Iridophycus cordatum, Iridophycus fulgens
Similar species: Several similar species including Mazzaella linearis and Mazzaella cornucopiae