Sub-order III. Florideae, Endl.—Rose-Tangles.
Ceramiaceae, Lindl.; Choristosporeae, Decaisne.
Characters.—Cellular or tubular algals propagated by thecae (favellae vel favellidia, coccidia vel keramidia), composed of granules [spores?] contained within a cellular or gelatinous perisporangium; and by sphaerospores (or tetraspores) composed of four (or three) spores in a transparent perispore.
Properties.—Several species of this sub-order are esculent. They owe this property to the mucilage, starch, mannite, and perhaps a little albumen, which they contain. Besides the species presently to be described, Iridaea edulis (Fig. 146, d) and Rhodomenia palmata (Fig. 146, a), which is cried about the streets of Edinburgh under the name of dulse, may be mentioned as illustrative examples of esculent species.
