Laver (Nori)
Porphyra umbilicalis
Laver is recognisable by its delicate, dark-purple or brownish-green fronds, which can become crisp when dried. It is traditionally eaten in Wales as “laverbread” and is also the basis for Japanese nori. On Lihou’s rocky shore, you may spot these translucent sheets clinging to stones at low tide, easily overlooked unless you look closely at the tide line.
- Habitat: Upper to mid-shore on exposed rocks
- When to See: Year-round
- Length: Up to 20–30 cm