General Description

Sheet-like wide, flattened frond with strong mid-rib arising from undulating, frill-like section at base of stalk (stipe), attached to rock or hard surface. Holdfast with multiple root-like (haptera) projections. Medium brown. Up to 1 m (thallus).

Biology

This species is introduced and common on piers. It is an annual seaweed which dies-off during winter. It is a food source for humans, known commercially as "Wakame" in Japan, China and Korea where it is harvested.

Habitat

Low rocky intertidal reefs and subtidal rocky reefs in sheltered waters, to depth of 20 m.

Reefs

Distribution guide

Worldwide.

Species Group

Seaweeds and seagrasses › Brown algae

Depth

Shallow (1-30 m)

Water Column

On or near sea floor

Max Size

1 m

Diet

Photosynthetic - sunlight

Commercial Species

Yes

Global Dispersal

Introduced to Australia

Identify

• Seaweeds and seagrasses

Conservation Status

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