Wild Harris

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Thongweed is an unusual plant. Throughout the winter it looks like a small greenish brown mushroom growing on the rocks. In the spring a very long flat stalk emerges from the centre of the 'mushroom', and will grow into a leather-like strap several metres long. This breaks off in the autumn and the plant goes back to looking like a mushroom again to survive the winter. It grows on the lower shore.

(Photo: Paul Tyler)

Thongweed 'buttons' as seen in winter

(Photo: Paul Tyler)

Thongweed as it appears during the summer 

by Paul Tyler

Back to Green Seaweeds