Whitish-pink to lilac, calcified, articulated fronds, 60-70 (-120) mm high, axis cylindrical to compressed, repeatedly pinnate from and expanded discoid base, branchng often irregular. Growth form very variable, often stunted. In unfavourable habitats erect system vestigial, but extensive base may be present.

Similar species: Haliptilon squamatum (Linnaeus) Johansen, L. Irvine et Webster, a species rarely found in lower-shore rock pools, has shield-shaped articulations but is difficult to distinguish from Corallina officinalis. Corallina elongata is smaller and more regularly branched.

Link for Algae Handbook (Pereira, 2010).

Original publication: Linnaeus, C. (1758). Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata. Editio decima revisa. Vol. 1 pp. [i-iv], [1]-823. Holmiae [Stockholm]: impensis direct. Laurentii Salvii.

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Corallina officinalis consists of calcareous, branching, segmented fronds, usually erect, up to 12 cm high but often much shorter. Fronds rise from a calcareous crustose, disk shaped, holdfast about 70 mm in diameter. Fronds consist of a jointed chain of calcareous segments, each becoming wedge shaped higher up the frond. Branches are opposite, resulting in a feather-like appearance. Colour varied, purple, red, pink or yellowish with white knuckles and white extremities. Paler in brightly lit sites. Different colours normally represent light induced stress and degradation of pigments (bleaching). Reproductive organs are urn shaped, usually borne at the tips of the fronds but occasionally laterally on segments. Distinguished from the similar Corallina elongata by the structure of its reproductive bodies which bear horns or antennae and from Jania rubens which branches dichotomously.

Link for MarLIN

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Adjective (Latin), used in medicine [in the past] (Stearn 1973)

Nomenclatural notes: Linnaeus cites Ellis 48 n. 2 t. 24 f. A "C. trichotoma articulis cylindricis: teminale ovato."

Provide biological, medical and pharmacological activity - antihelminthic (vermifuge); Contains: peptides.

Other uses: Corallina officinalis is a very popular ingredient among cosmetics and health and personal care companies. There are known sellers of Corallina officinalis-based products in the United States, China, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Germany. These are products for men and women, and include toners, moisturizers, cleansers, emulsions, essences, astringents, eye creams, wash gels, shower gels, shave balm, hydration sprays and creams, and masks.
Following are some claims and reports from different sellers:

• Corallina officinalis is an inflammatory mediator which can soothe the skin, reduce redness and increase cellular cohesion.
• Corallina officinalis has an exceptionally high content of trace elements and mineral salts, which helps the capillaries to contract, thus reducing blood flow to the skin, and improving intercellular adhesion. Corallina extract helps to strengthen the skin and ensure than moisture is kept where it’s most needed.
• Corallina officinalis has been shown to thicken the stratum corneum layer of skin and to help reinforce the moisture barrier function of the skin.
• Corallina officinalis is filled with vital minerals needed for healthy skin, it helps to balance skin and prevent dryness, and it tones the skin.
• Corallina officinalis is a “coral seaweed” rich in calcium carbonates & magnesium carbonates, and it is an extraordinary biotechnological marine unit which can concentrate up to 200,000 times certain micronutrients present in sea water such as magnesium, zinc, manganese and calcium. The seller reminds us that trace elements are minerals which our bodies cannot produce but are essential for catalysing many reactions; magnesium and zinc are closely involved in keratogenesis, elastogenesis, collagenesis, cellular division and synthesis of essential fatty acids of phospholipids. Magnesium and zinc also play a predominant role in the stabilization of lipoprotein and phospholipid components of cellular membranes. They maintain anatomical and functional integrity of the various subcellular organoids (mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, nucleic acids).
• Corallina officinalis protects the skin from the effects of the sun, as it is a natural UVA, UVB and infrared filter.

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.

Silva, P.C., Basson, P.W. & Moe, R.L. (1996). Catalogue of the benthic marine algae of the Indian Ocean. University of California Publications in Botany 79: 1-1259.

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.

Womersley, H.B.S. & Johansen, H.W. (1996). Subfamily Corallinoideae (Areschoug) Foslie 1908: 19. In: The marine benthic flora of southern Australia - Part IIIB - Gracilariales, Rhodymeniales, Corallinales and Bonnemaisoniales. (Womersley, H.B.S. Eds), pp. 288-317. Adelaide & Canberra: Australian Biological Resources Study & the State Herbarium of South Australia.

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

Known as 'Cunach Tra' or 'An Fheamainn Choirealach' in Ireland

Other names: algue coraline, an fheamainn choiréalach, coral weed, corallina compacta, corallina di corsica, coralline rose, cúnach trá, koraalwier, koralalge, Korallenmoos, Korallermoos, krasing.

Type species: This is the type species (lectotype) of the genus Corallina.

Type locality: "Hab. O. Eur." [European Seas] Lectotype: LINN 1293.9 (Womersley & Johansen 1996: 291). Notes: Lectotype selected by Schmitz (1889: 455). Linnaeus writes: "C. trichotoma, articulis cylindricis: teminale ovata. Ellis 48 n. 2. t. 24. f. A. Hab. O. Eur."