Osmundea pinnatifida | |
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Scientific classification | |
(unranked): | Archaeplastida |
Division: | Rhodophyta |
Class: | Florideophyceae |
Order: | Ceramiales |
Family: | Rhodomelaceae |
Genus: | Osmundea |
Species: | O. pinnatifida |
Binomial name | |
Osmundea pinnatifida (Hudson) Stackhouse |
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Synonyms | |
Laurencia pinnatifida |
Laurencia pinnatifida
Osmundea pinnatifida is a species of red alga known by the common name pepper dulse.
It is a small seaweed widely found with the tidal zone of moderately sheltered rocky shores around Britain and Europe. Although technically a red seaweed, it can show a wide range of colouring from yellow-buff to a red so dark as to be almost black.
It is harvested and dried in Scotland and in the Channel Islands for use as a curry-flavoured spice.