The red alga scientists sequenced was Irish moss – Chondrus crispus – a seaweed commonly found strewn around the coasts of the north Atlantic Ocean.

Gymnogongrus has two British species, one much resembling Chondrus crispus, already named, of which it was formerly considered a congener.

The delicate Porphyra or Laver is in some countries eaten as a delicacy, and the cartilaginous Chondrus crispus has been largely used for jelly.