Aug 14, 2025
#3056 - Lithothamnion sp. - Crustose Coralline Algae
A red alga that forms massive encrusting growths. There's over 100 species in the genus.
One species, calcareum, is processed and added to milk substitutes as a calcium supplement. This got them in trouble in the European Union, which forbids mineral supplementation to organic foodstuffs, even if the calcium carbonate in question is derived from processed algae.
Leighton Beach, WA Naturalists Club Centenary Beach Walk, Perth, WA.