Kelp

Morphology

Kelp grows in the form of long stalks, with leaflike blades at regular intervals. Each blade is supported by a float. For more on its morphology, see seaweeds.

Prominent species

• bull-head kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana), a northwestern American species. Used by coastal Native Americans to create fishing nets.
• giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera), the largest seaweed. Found in the Pacific coast of North America.
• konbu (Laminaria japonica), an edible specie of kelp found in Japan.

Uses

Kelp ash is calcined and rich in iodine and alkali. In great amount, kelp ash can be used in soap and glass production. Alginate, a kelp-derived carbohydrate, is used to thicken products like ice cream, jelly, and toothpaste, as well as in manufactured goods.

Interactions

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

• Kelp crab (Pugettia producta), the Pacific coast of North America.
• Kelpfish (blenny) (e.g., Heterosticbus rostratus, genus Gibbonsia), the Pacific coast of North America.
• Kelp Goose (kelp hen) (Ocydromus fuscus), New Zealander
• kelp pigeon (sheathbill) (Chionis sp), Antarctic

See also

• Kelp Records, KeLP Programming System, bladder wrack

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