Studded Sea Balloons

Soranthera ulvoidea

Color: Brown 
Shape: Pod-like, hollow or filled with liquid
Texture: Bumpy
Size: 2–6”
Zone: Intertidal
Range: Alaska to California

Description: Branching stipe connected to a small holdfast. Bushy or shaggy-looking branches alternating with bumpy brown to olive balloon-like sacs of 1–2”. 

Edibility: 

Distinctive characteristics: An epiphyte — grows on species of red algae. 

Collection notes:

Phylum: Phaeophta (Brown Algae)
Previous names:
Similar species: Can be confused with Sea Cauliflower, Leathesia difformis, when young

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