description Saccharina latissima Overview
Saccharina latissima, widely known as sugar kelp, is a large brown marine alga naturally distributed across the cold coastal waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The seaweed is identifiable by its single long, undivided, yellow-brown frond that features distinctive crinkled ruffles along the edges. It is extensively cultivated in aquaculture farms in the United States and Europe for human consumption, agricultural fertilizer, and cosmetic extracts. The plant grows rapidly by attaching to rocky substrates in subtidal and intertidal zones.
help Saccharina latissima FAQ
What is Saccharina latissima commonly called?
Saccharina latissima is commonly known as sugar kelp, sea belt, or devil's apron. It is a brown alga in the order Laminariales.
What does sugar kelp look like?
It has one long, undivided yellow-brown blade with a wrinkled central band and smoother margins. NOAA reports that the blade can reach about 5 meters, or 16 feet.
Where does Saccharina latissima grow?
Sugar kelp occurs in cold coastal waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific. It is also cultivated in places such as New England for food and other commercial uses.
How is sugar kelp used?
People use Saccharina latissima as food and as a source of thickening and gelling compounds. Its commercial cultivation is also being studied for products ranging from cosmetics to potential biofuels.
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