Turkish Washcloth
Scientific Name: Mastocarpus papillatus
Category: other
Brief Description
A marine red alga found in the intertidal zone, characterized by its thick, bumpy, carpet-like blades.
Characteristics
The seaweed has dark purple to blackish, thick, rubbery blades that are covered in small, nipple-like bumps (papillae) on the surface of the female gametophyte.
Habitat
Often found on rocks in the high to mid-intertidal zones of rocky shores.
When to Find It
Perennial; visible year-round but most easily seen during low tides.
Conservation Status
Common / N/A
Ecological Role
Provides a complex habitat and shelter for small marine invertebrates and is a food source for various mollusks.
Easily Confused With
Often confused with Turkish Towel (Chondracanthus exasperatus), which typically has much larger blades and grows deeper in the water.
Observation Tips
Look for it on barnacle-covered rocks at low tide in the Pacific Northwest; it often feels stiff and sandpaper-like when dry.
Interesting Facts
This species has a 'crustose' stage in its life cycle once thought to be a completely different species of red algae called Petrocelis.
User Notes
Puget Sound