Ecklonia radiata

Ecklonia radiata is a species of kelp found in the Canary Islands, the Cape Verde Islands, Madagascar, Mauritania, Senegal, South Africa, Oman, southern Australia, Lord Howe Island, and New Zealand.

Ecklonia radiata is a common large kelp on reefs in the warm temperate parts of the southern hemisphere. It is often the dominant form of biogenic habitat on temperate reefs and can have strong effects on associated assemblages. Ecklonia is known to exhibit great morphological variation through geographic separation.

The kelp is attached to the substrate by means of a holdfast, which appears similar to the branching roots of a tree. Between the light brown branching processes (haptera) there is usually a wide range of invertebrate animals taking advantage of the protected micro-environment. Above the holdfast is a long, flexible stalk or stipe, much darker in colour. Finally, there is a much divided terminal blade, yellowish brown and often crinkled and frayed. The kelp is never completely exposed at low tide.

References links

 * University of Sydney
 * University of Sydney