Plate XLII. 



Fig. 191. SPH^ROCOCCUS CORONOPIFOLIUS. 



Colour. A fine scarlet-red; darker in the main stems. 

 Sulstance. Gristly; the stems very strong; horny when dry. 



Character of Frond. Compressed; narrow; very much branched; wide-spreading, 

 forming a rounded outline. Main stems thickened in the centre; repeatedly 

 divided, with a mixture of forked {dicJiotomom) and alternate branching. 

 Branches several times re-branched in th'i same irregular way; the margins 

 of the upper ones generally fringed with minute, short, stalk-like, horizontally- 

 set frondlets, in some of which the capsular fruit is formed. Last branchlets 

 much and closely divided; spreading; with acute tips. 



Measurement. From 6 to 12 inches long, or more. 



Fructification. Only one kind known. A mass of spores in globose capsules., formed 

 in the fringing frondlets; the swelling turning the tips aside as in Bhodymenia 

 ciliata. 



Habitat. Southern and western shores of Great Britain and Ireland. Niton Bay, 

 Isle of Wight, abundant. Isle of Man. Isle of Bute. 



Fig. 192. GELIDIUM CARTILAGINEUM. 



Colour. A fine dark-purple; becoming scarlet, orange, yellow, and finally greenish 

 on exposure. 



Substance. Gristly and strong; horny when dry. 



Character of Frond. Tufts of very long, narrow, even stems; furnished with long, 

 narrow, regularly alternate branches; these re-branched with a second series; 

 these again with a third; the series diminishing gradually in length; all at 

 one level, like the plumes of a feather {pinnate); each branch lanceolate in 

 general outline. Boot fibrous. 



Measurement. From 12 to 18 inches long. 



Fructification. Only one kind known. A mass of spores in oval capsules, imbedded 

 in the centre of the last branchlets, their tips protruding beyond. 



Sahitat. Found on the shore at Freshwater Bay; also at Kyde, but not a native 

 plant. 



A native of the Cape of Good Hope, and probably only accidentally brought 

 to our coasts. For another Gelidium see Plate XLIV. Fig. 19.). 



9 * c 



