The pinkish crust coating these rocks is a seaweed commonly called pink paint. It is also found on some seaweeds and even on sea-snail shells. The pink tufts growing with it are known as coralline seaweeds, because of their resemblance to coral. They are red seaweeds that have calcium carbonate in their cells. In recent years scientists have discovered that pink paint and coralline seaweeds provide an important habitat for young pāua (abalone) and kina (sea urchins).
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Melanie Lovell-Smith
This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.
Tāpiritia te tākupu hou