Saccharina latissima
Saccharina latissima is a brown alga, of the family Laminariaceae. It is known by the common names sugar kelp, sea belt, and Devil's apron, and is one of the species known to Japanese cuisine as kombu. It is found in the north Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean and north Pacific Ocean.
Description
Saccharina latissima is a yellowish brown colour with a long narrow, undivided blade that can grow to long and wide. The central band is dimpled while the margins are smoother with a wavy edge, this is to cause greater water movement around the blades to aid in gas exchange. The frond is attached to the rock by stout rhizoids about in diameter in the intertidal and sublittoral zones by a claw-like holdfast and a short, pliable, cylindrical stipe.Distribution and habitat
It is found in the north Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean and north Pacific Ocean. It is common along the coast of Northern Europe as far south as Galicia Spain. In North America, it is found on the East Coast down to Long Island, although historically extended down to New Jersey and on the West Coast down to the state of Washington. On the coast of Asia, it is found south to Korea and Japan.Ecology
Saccharina latissima is an ecologically important system. It is a primary producer, delivering plant material to the coastal food web. The three-dimensional forests also serve as a habitat for animals, resulting in a high biodiversity. Fish, shellfish and other animals find food and hiding places within these forests.It can be infected by the pathogenic fungus Phycomelaina laminariae.