Looking like a string of green beads this seaweed is distinguished by having bladders surrounding the main stipe.They are full of sea water to stop the weed from drying out if exposed at low tide. It has a runner with several holdfasts which can make the weed look rather like a green carpet.

On rocky shores from low-tide to about 15m. It prefers some shelter and warm water, it is found in northern South Island, all around the North Island and in Australia.

As a producer it photosynthesises

This seaweed is food for many animals and can be eaten by humans.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available from www.rodmorris.co.nz