Corallinaceae

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Corallinaceae (order Cryptonemiales, division Rhodophyta) A family of red seaweeds, most of which are heavily impregnated with lime, and hard and brittle. There are many genera. Some have a crustose thallus which adheres closely to rocks or to other plants. Corallina has an erect, branching thallus that is characteristically jointed; C. officinalis is a common species fringing rock pools in the intertidal zone. Members of the family are found in all regions, from the Arctic to the tropics. Some form important constituents of atolls and coral reefs, being able to survive pounding by surf better than true corals.