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== Prominent species == == Prominent species ==
]

* ] ('']''), a northwestern American species. Used by coastal ] to create ]s. * ] ('']''), a northwestern American species. Used by coastal ] to create ]s.
* ] ('']''), the largest seaweed. Found in the Pacific coast of North America and South America. * ] ('']''), the largest seaweed. Found in the Pacific coast of North America and South America.

Revision as of 02:39, 22 November 2006

Kelp
Californian kelp forest
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Protista
Division: Heterokontophyta
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Laminariales
Migula
Families

Alariaceae
Chordaceae
Laminariaceae
Lessoniaceae
Phyllariaceae
Pseudochordaceae

Kelp are large seaweeds (algae), belonging to the brown algae and classified in the order Laminariales. Despite their appearance they are not grouped with the normal aquatic or land plants (kingdom Plantae), but instead are included in either kingdom Protista or Chromista. There are about 30 different genera. Some larger members of the order Fucales are also included by some within the general term Kelp. Kelp grows in underwater forests (kelp forests) in clear, shallow, oceans, requiring nutrient rich water below about 20 °C, it offers a protection to some sea creatures, or food for others. It is known for its high growth rate - the genus Macrocystis grows up to 30 cm per day, to a total length of over 60 meters.

Morphology

In most Kelp the thallus (or body), consists of flat or leaf-like structures known as blades. Blades originate from elongate, stem-like structures, the stipes. These kelp are mainly purple or pink and consist of a methane gas that helps fish live. The holdfast, a root-like structure anchors the Kelp to the substrate of the ocean. Gas-filled bladders (pneumatocysts) form at the base of most blades and keep the Kelp blades close to the surface.

Uses

Bongo Kelp ash is rich in iodine and alkali. In great amount, kelp ash can be used in soap and glass production. Until the Leblanc process was invented, buring of Kelp was one of the principal industrial sources of Sodium carbonate. Alginate, a kelp-derived carbohydrate, is used to thicken products such as ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and toothpaste, as well as in manufactured goods.

Prominent species

Giant kelp

Species of the British Isles

  • Laminaria digitata (Hudson) J.V. Lamouroux (Oarweed; Tangle)
  • Laminaria hyperborea (Gunnerus) Foslie (Curvie)
  • Laminaria ochroleuca Bachelot de la Pylaie
  • Laminaria saccharina (Linnaeus) J.V.Lamouroux (Sea Belt; Sugar Kelp; Sugarwack)
Kelp

Species of Laminaris World-wide

Other genera in the Laminariales which may be considered as "Kelp".

Interactions

Some animals are named after the kelp, either because they inhabit the same habitat as kelp or because they feed on kelp. These include:

See also

Categories: