Gracilaria parvispora has solid, commonly compressed branches, 1 - 4 mm in diameter, with long narrow, pointed tips. The plant grows tall, to 30 cm or more, with a single dominant axis, 0.8 - 3.5 mm diameter, usually with 3 orders of branching or, if more, the last order is short, slender and spine.
Gracilaria salicornia is one of the most successful invasive algae on reef flats. It appears competitively linked with the native G. coronipfolia and G. parvispora, but its mat form allows for a more robust growth rate, and it is hardier than the natives. Distribution of Gracilaria salicornia in Hawaiian Islands.
Found in most seas Gracilaria tikvahiae (Graceful Redweed, above) in particular is common around the water of where I now live, Florida. In fact, it is one of the major seaweeds — with G. confervoides, left — in the brackish lagoon called Indian River, about 50 miles east of here. Further, the Keys ship G. tikvahiae to Hawaii for covert and overt use.
Gracilaria gracilis of Lesina Lagoon is a natural marine biomass which has already been found interesting for several applications including agar, as mesoporous material and for bio-oils production. The results of this study highlight that this marine biomass seems to be also a promising source of R-phycoerythrin if it is harvested in winter time. In the same season, the red seaweed also.
A beautiful species of Gracilaria featuring rigid, flame shaped branches that form a tight symmetrical bush. It is lightly calcified so the addition of calcium is recommended. In shallow water it is often found in very large clumps covered in colonial tunicates or encrusted with epiphytic bryozoans. The coloration varies between deep crimson.