Description

The gametangial phase grows from a discoid holdfast to form an erect, compressed and much branched thallus to a length of 15 cms. Branching more or less distichous, with small final branchlets in opposite series. The tetrasporic phase is crustose and was previously referred to as Haematocelis fissurata P.L.Crouan & H.M.Crouan. Plocamium cartilagineum is similar, however Plocamium shows a pectinate pattern of branching not seen in Sphaerococcus.