Slender, rose-pink, articulated, calcified fronds, to 50 mm high. Repeatedly dichotomously branched, luxuriant specimens secondarily pinnate. Segments cylindrical, to 120 µm diam., those bearing branches somewhat compressed, to 180 µm diam. Fixed by small conical disc, but spreading vegetatively by developing attachment discs from branches in contact with solid substratum.

Similar species: Corallina elongata, which is pinnately branched in contrast with the dichotomous branching of Jania rubens.

Original publication: Lamouroux, J.V.F. (1816). Histoire des polypiers coralligènes flexibles, vulgairement nommés zoophytes. pp. [i]-lxxxiv, chart, [1]-560, [560, err], pls I-XIX, uncol. by author. Caen: De l'imprimerie de F. Poisson.

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Jania rubens is a calcified red alga which grows slender rose-pink fronds that form rounded bunches reaching 5 centimeters long, although in strongly illuminated areas its color can be slightly yellowish white. Branches are articulated (jointed) and dichotomously branched, occasionally with secondary pinnate (feathery) branching, giving the alga a luxurious, fluffy look. Jania rubens can grow either directly attached to rock by small conical discs (where it can spread by forming new attachment points on branches in contact with substrate) or attached to other algae (epiphytically). However, it is typically found as an epiphyte on only two species of brown algae: Cladostephus and Cystoseira. Jania rubens has maximum development during the autumn and winter. This alga is rather rare and is found only in well-lit, subtidal rocky surfaces from 8 to 10 meters deep.

Link for Seaweeds Industry Association

Participle (Latin), reddish

Provide biological, medical and pharmacological activity - antihelminthic (vermifuge)

Other uses: Jania rubens has recently starting to be used by cosmetic companies as an extract in natural beauty products. It is prized for its ultra-moisturizing and protective properties due to the high concentration of minerals and trace elements present in its tissue. One provider notes that Jania rubens is characterized by a concentration of minerals and trace elements 20,000 to 40,000 times greater than that of seawater, thus giving it remineralizing properties. It is also used in skin whitening and hydrating products.

Bressan, G. & Babbini, L. (2003). Biodiversità marina delle coste Italiane: Corallinales del Mar Mediterraneo: guida all deteminazione. Biologia Marina Mediterranea 10(Suppl. 2): 1-237.

Dawes, C.J. & Mathieson, A.C. (2008). The seaweeds of Florida. pp. [i]- viii, [1]-591, [592], pls I-LI. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida.

Kim, J.H., Guiry, M.D., Oak, J.H., Choi, D.-S., Kang, S.-H., Chung, H. & Choi, H.-G. (2007). Phylogenetic relationships within the tribe Janieae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) based on molecular and morphological data: a reappraisal of Jania. Journal of Phycology 43: 1310-1319.

Loiseaux-de Goër, S. & Noailles, M.-C. (2008). Algues de Roscoff. pp. [1]-215, col. figs. Roscoff: Editions de la Station Biologique de Roscoff.

N'Yeurt, A.D.R. & Payri, C.E. (2010). Marine algal flora of French Polynesia III. Rhodophyta, with additions to the Phaeophyceae and Chlorophyta. Cryptogamie Algologie 31: 3-205.

Walker, R.H., Brodie, J., Russell, S., Irvine, L.M. & Orfanidis, S. (2009). Biodiversity of coralline algae in the Northeastern Atlantic including Corallina caespitosa Sp. Nov. (Corallinoideae, Rhodophyta). Journal of Phycology 45: 287-297.

Wynne, M.J. (2005). A check-list of benthic marine algae of the tropical and subtropical western Atlantic: second revision. Beihefte zur Nova Hedwigia 129: 1-152.

Basionym: Corallina rubens Linnaeus

Type locality: "Hab. Oc. Europaeo" (Linnaeus 1758: 806). Lectotype: Herb. Burser vol. XX p. 72 (Kim et al. 2007 : 1317). Notes: Type locality: Europe (South & Skelton, 2003