Gracilaria crassa Harvey ex J.Agardh 1876

    Thalli yellowish to purple colour, thick, cylindrical form, about 2-4cm tall, 3-4mm in thickness, several shoots arising from discoidal or irregular holdfast. Cortex region one or two layers of cells, outer radially elongated cells 10μm x 8μm and inner cells radially compressed and somewhat larger; hair cells present that produce as tubular hairs, oblong-ovate; transition of cortex to medulla abrupt. Medulla occupy the centre region, central cells large, ovoid to oblong cells, surrounded by broadly oval cells measuring 204-220μm x 234-244μm; outer cells of the medulla smaller, radially compressed progressively smaller towards the periphery, peripheral cells 10-12μm x 22-30μm.Cystocarp dome-shaped, scattered over the thallus. Gonimonemata radiating, with a swollen base and terminal portion with short branches. Tetrasporangia scattered and cruciately divided.