Corallium Rubrum
Red Coral
From orange to dark red
All the Mediterranean basin, and especially Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Yugoslavia and then Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia
Uniform color, compact texture. Generally occurs in tufts 15/20 cm high and 10/15 cm wide, in the shape of a tree. The diameter at the base varies from 1 to 1.5 cm. The weight of each head is about 100-1.150 grams. Dimensions. They can be recognized by the fact that on the back they often have the characteristic white vein. calcareous spicules which are a valid aid in supporting the colony with a gelatinous consistency.
Red coral is characterized by a limited colonial growth rate (about 1 mm in diameter per year). The excessive commercial exploitation over the years, due to the high economic value of the species, has resulted in a drastic drop in the population, a reduction in the average size of the more superficial populations and the impoverishment of numerous deep banks throughout the Mediterranean.