General Description

Thick rounded singular central stalk (stipe) giving rise to one or two large, long and broad leathery fronds. Holdfast at base large disc. Dark brown. Up to 8 m long (thallus).

Biology

This large kelp is often found washed ashore on ocean beaches or drifting in the water after large seas break the suction of the holdfast and detach the plant from rocks. Holes in its fronds are from grazing snails and other invertebrates. In Tasmania, it is harvested from rack seaweed (washed ashore seaweeds) to produce alginates for use in commercial products such as toothpaste and ice cream.

Habitat

Fringe of intertidal areas to subtidal rocky reefs, with high wave action, to depth of 30 m.

Reefs

Coastal shores

Distribution guide

New Zealand and Australia.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shore (0-1 m)
Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

8 m

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Recorded in Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

• DSE Advisory List : Not listed
• EPBC Act 1999 : Not listed
• IUCN Red List : Not listed