132 BRITISH SEA-WEEDS. 



Melobesia lichenoides. The lichen-like Melo- 

 besia. 



Fronds formed of uniform, elongate cells about four 

 times as long as they are broad, attached to rocks, free 

 at the edge, variously lobed, spreading, brittle. Spore- 

 conceptacles large, obtusely-conical, scattered or collected 

 in groups. 



This plant is well described by its name, as it closely 

 resembles a foliaceous lichen. It varies in colour from 

 dark-purple to yellowish-white. 



Melobesia agariciformis. The mushroom-like 

 Melobesia. 



Fronds free, globular, thin, much lobed, composed of al- 

 ternate zones of large and small cells ; the former elongated- 

 oblong, about three times as long as they are broad ; the 

 latter minute, granular. Spore-conceptacles immersed in 

 the frond, scarcely projecting beyond the surface. 



This species grows, without attaching itself, on the 

 bottom of sandy bays of moderate depth. It is of a 

 rosy-pink colour when fresh, and becomes yellowish in 

 drying. It is comparatively rare. 



Melobesia membranacea. The membranaceous 

 Melobesia. 



Fronds minute, dot-like, very thin, circular, becoming 

 confluent, growing on sea-weeds or Zostera. Spore-con- 

 ceptacles depressed. 



Melobesia farinosa. The floury Melobesia. 



Fronds minute, irregular in outline, rather thin, pale, 

 growing on sea- weeds. Spore-conceptacles prominent. 



