Bull Kelp
Nereocystis luetkeana
Summary 3
Nereocystis (Greek for "mermaid's bladder") is a monotypic genus of kelp containing the species Nereocystis luetkeana. Some common names include edible kelp, bull kelp, bullwhip kelp, ribbon kelp, giant kelp, bladder wrack, and variations on these names. It forms thick beds on rocks, and is an important part of kelp forests. It can grow to a maximum of 36 m (118 ft). Nereocystis has a holdfast of about 40 cm (16 in), and
Geographical Range and Habitat 4
Ranges also from Alaska to San Luis Obispo, CA thriving in high wave-action prone areas. Extensive beds can be found in depths of 10-17m and individuals can be found near lower tidepools.
External Morphology and Reproduction 4
Golden to dark brown in coloration with a single thallus that may reach about 36m in length with a 4m hapterous holdfast. A thallus can be 2-7cm in diameter. A Large single pneumatocyst can be 9-15cm in diameter. Gas is contained within the apophysis and pneumatocysts. There can be 30-64 blades (up to 4m in length and 15cm broad) protruding from the bulb.
In May-December sori are produced near blade bases. Mature sori drop form the blades and sink before releasing the spores. Growth rates of Nereocystis can reach 10cm per day.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Ingrid Taylar, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://www.flickr.com/photos/taylar/7849199268/
- (c) kelpsquad, all rights reserved
- Adapted by kelpsquad from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nereocystis_luetkeana
- (c) kelpsquad, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
