California Biota Home Page....Protoctista....Rhodophyta

Porphyra perforata J. Ag.

Porphyra perforata shown here on a rock during a low tide at Pillar Point, San Mateo.  This seaweed has been exposed to air for 2 hours while at low tide, yet retains its color.   

Under severe low tides Porphyra appears to discolor, but it still retains its color when re-submerged in seawater.  A common use of this species in the Pacific Rim is for the manufacture of nori or laver, often consumed in sushi restaurants.

 Porphyra is very thin and this is seen in the pressed specimen above that also retains the natural red color.