Plants are large and broad, the blade (leaf) is undivided, they have a thick conspicuous mid-rib. There are sometimes smaller blades growing from the bare lower part of the stipe (stem) on older plants. Can grow to 50 cm high. Has veins branching off the mid-rib, which become less apparent near the tip. Attached by a small, tough disc. Colour is a milky, rosy pink when young, dark red when old. It feels soft when it is young but firm and almost tough when old.

Subtidal on rock, shell, and stones, sometimes grows on other seweeds (epiphytic). Found on open coasts.

Uses sun's energy for photosynthesis.

Genus Laingia is unique to NZ.

http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=11781 (accessed 06/12/10)
NZ Seaweeds. An Illustrated Guide: Nelson