Phymatolithon lenormandii
# Phymatolithon lenormandii

Phymatolithon lenormandii is a common red alga.

## Description

Phymatolithon lenormandii is a thin alga growing encrusting as a thin flat chalky thallus clearly without branches. The thallus grows to 0.6 mm thick with a smooth surface. In colour it is mauvish or pinkish like a thin painted surface forming a patchwork when meeting other incrusting algae.

## Habitat

Common, epilithic on rock and shells in the literal and sublittoral to a depth of 30m, growing best in shady sites.

## Reproduction

Monecious or dioecious with conceptacles, carpospogonia and tetrasporangial conceptacles forming raised chambers.

## Distribution

Common around Ireland, Great Britain, Isle of Man and the Channel Isles. In Europe it is recorded from Norway to the Mediterranean. World-wide from Canada USA Mexico, Japan and southern America.

