Gersemia lambi

Description. Colonial morphology (Figures 7 B-C). The holotype measures 55 mm in length, 39 mm in width, and 35 mm in height. It is composed of dense concentrations of autozooids distributed in isolated clusters on several lobes that emanate from the stalk, which arises immediately above the basal holdfast. Each cluster usually contains approximately 5 and 15 polyps. Polyps (Figures 7 B-C, F). The polyps are monomorphic, non-retractile, tubular in shape, and vary in length and width (4.0 - 7.0 mm in length and 1.5 - 2.0 mm in width). The width of the polyps is greatest at the distal extremities. The polyps are erect and often curve upward from their bases. Sclerites (Figures 8 - 11). Coenenchymal sclerites of the polypary are primarily sharply-tuberculated radiates, 0.03 - 0.11 mm. Coenenchymal sclerites of the stalk are mostly variously-ornamented radiates and modified radiates, 0.03 - 0.12 mm long. Polyp wall sclerites abundant, uniformly and densely-distributed, 0.03 - 013 mm in length, mostly variably-shaped radiates and rods with a few irregularly-shaped elongate forms and crosses. Tentacle sclerites densely and uniformly distributed (not arranged en chevron), mostly radiates and rods, although a few club-shaped or approach torch-like forms are also present. Color (Figures 7 A-D, E). Colony color is pink to reddish in life, often with orange oral discs. Colonies are uniformly cream-white in color when preserved in ethanol.

Etymology. This species is named for marine naturalist and educator Andy Lamb (Vancouver, British Columbia), who collected the type material.