Description: The gametangial plant grows to 30 cms long and is attached by barbed rhizoids to other algae. Thallus with tufts of branchlets all about the same length and spirally arranged. The tetrasporic phase (=Falkenbergia) is of small fine filaments irregularly branched which aggregrate into small fluffy balls.

Habitat: Both phases are generally epiphytic and sublittoral or free floating.

Distribution: Southern and western shores of the British Isles: Ireland, England, Scotland including the Shetlands and the Isle of Man. Europe: Mediterranean, Azores, Portugal and Spain. Further afield: Canary Islands, Marocco, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Distribution Map from NBN: Asparagopsis armata at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Asparagopsis armata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Asparagopsis armata at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Asparagopsis armata Harvey, 1855. AphiaID: 144438.

Classification: Biota; Plantae; Biliphyta; Rhodophyta; Eurhodophytina; Florideophyceae; Rhodymeniophycidae; Bonnemaisoniales; Bonnemaisoniaceae; Asparagopsis