Kelp 165744 224480892 2008-07-09T01:06:50Z Craigsjones 7142590 /* Commercial uses */ {{Taxobox | name =Kelp | image = Kelp forest.jpg | image_width = 270px | image_caption = [[California]]n kelp forest | domain = [[Eukaryota]] | regnum = [[Chromalveolata]] | phylum = [[Heterokont]]ophyta | classis = [[Brown alga|Phaeophyceae]] | ordo = '''Laminariales''' | ordo_authority = [[Migula]] | subdivision_ranks = Families | subdivision = [[Alariaceae]]<br /> [[Chordaceae]]<br /> [[Laminariaceae]]<br /> [[Lessoniaceae]]<br /> [[Phyllariaceae]]<br /> [[Pseudochordaceae]] }} {{nutritionalvalue | name=Kelp (raw) | kJ=180| protein=1.7 g | fat=0.6 g | carbs=9.6 g | fiber=1.3 g | | sugars=0.6 g | iron_mg=2.8 | calcium_mg=168.0 | magnesium_mg=121.0 | phosphorus_mg=42.0 | selenium_mcg=0.7 | sodium_mg=233| potassium_mg=89| zinc_mg=1.2 | vitC_mg=3.0 | pantothenic_mg=0.6 | vitB6_mg=0.0 | folate_ug=180| thiamin_mg=0.1 | riboflavin_mg=0.2 | niacin_mg=0.5 | right=1 | source_usda=1 }} {{otheruses}} '''Kelp''' are large [[seaweed]]s ([[algae]]), belonging to the [[brown alga]]e and classified in the order Laminariales. Despite their appearance, some scientists group them not with the terrestrial plants ([[Kingdom (biology)|kingdom]] [[Plantae]]), but instead place them either in kingdom [[Protista]] or in kingdom [[Chromista]]. There are about 30 different [[genus|genera]]. Kelp grows in underwater [[forest]]s ([[kelp forest]]s) in clear, shallow oceans, requiring nutrient-rich water below about 20 °C (68 °F). It is known for its high growth rate — the genus ''[[Macrocystis]]'' and ''[[Nereocystis]] luetkeana'' grow as fast as half a [[metre]] a day, ultimately reaching 30 to 80 m.<ref name="Thomas 02">'''Thomas, D.''' 2002. ''Seaweeds.'' The Natural History Museum, London, p. 15. ISBN 0 565 09175 1</ref> Through the 19th century, the word "kelp" was closely associated with seaweeds that could be burned to obtain [[soda ash]] (primarily sodium carbonate). The seaweeds used included species from both the orders Laminariales and [[Fucales]]. The word "kelp" was also used directly to refer to these processed ashes.<ref>"Kelp," in [http://www.oed.com ''Oxford English Dictionary (Second Edition)].'' Oxford University Press, 1989. Retrieved [[1 December]] [[2006]]</ref> == Morphology == In most kelp, the thallus (or body) consists of flat or leaf-like structures known as blades. Blades originate from elongated stem-like structures, the stipes. The holdfast, a root-like structure, anchors the kelp to the substrate of the ocean. Gas-filled bladders ([[pneumatocyst]]s) form at the base of blades of American species, such as ''Nereocystis lueteana'' (Mert.& Post & Rupr.)<ref name="Thomas 02" /> and keep the kelp blades close to the surface, holding up the leaves by the gas they contain. ==Growth and reproduction== Growth occurs at the base of the [[meristem]], where the blades and stipe meet. Growth may be limited by grazing pressure. [[Sea urchins]], for example, can reduce entire areas to [[urchin barrens]]. The kelp life cycle involves a [[ploidy|diploid]] [[sporophyte]] and haploid [[gametophyte]] stage. The haploid phase begins when the mature organism releases many spores, which then germinate to become male or female gametophytes. [[Sexual reproduction]] then results in the beginning of the diploid sporophyte stage which will develop into a mature plant. == Commercial uses == [[Bongo kelp]] ash is rich in [[iodine]] and [[alkali]]. In great amount, kelp ash can be used in [[soap]] and [[glass]] production. Until the [[Leblanc process]] was commercialized in the early 1800s, burning of kelp in Scotland was one of the principal industrial sources of [[soda ash]] (predominantly [[sodium carbonate]]).<ref name="Clow 52">'''Clow, Archibald and Clow, Nan L.''' (1952). ''Chemical Revolution.'' Ayer Co Pub, June 1952, pp. 65–90. ISBN 0-8369-1909-2</ref> [[Alginate]], a kelp-derived carbohydrate, is used to thicken products such as [[ice cream]], [[Jelly (fruit preserves)|jelly]], [[salad dressing]], and [[toothpaste]], as well as an ingredient in exotic [[dog food]] and in manufactured goods. Giant kelp can be harvested fairly easily because of its surface canopy and growth habit of staying in deeper water. Kelp is also used frequently in [[seaweed fertiliser]], especially in the [[Channel Islands]], where it is known as ''vraic''. [[Kombu]] (''Laminaria japonica'' and others), several Pacific species of kelp, is a very important ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Kombu is used to flavor broths and stews (especially ''[[dashi]]''), as a savory garnish (''tororo konbu'') for rice and other dishes, as a vegetable, and a primary ingredient in popular snacks (such as ''[[tsukudani]]''). Transparent sheets of kelp (''oboro konbu'') are used as an edible decorative wrapping for rice and other foods.<ref>Kazuko, Emi: ''Japanese Cooking'', p. 78, Hermes House, 2002, p. 78. ISBN 0-681-32327-2 </ref> Kombu can be used to soften beans during cooking, and to help convert indigestible sugars and thus reduce flatulence.<ref>Graimes, Nicola: ''The Best-Ever Vegetarian Cookbook'', [[Barnes & Noble]] Books, 1999, p. 59. ISBN 0-7607-1740-0</ref> Because of its high concentration of iodine, brown kelp (Laminaria) has been used to treat goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland caused by a lack of iodine, since medieval times.<ref>[http://newswise.com/articles/view/541835/ Iodine Helps Kelp Fight Free Radicals and May Aid Humans, Too] Newswise, Retrieved on July 8, 2008.</ref> ==Kelp in history and culture== During the [[Highland Clearances]], many [[Scottish Highlander]]s were moved off their [[crofting|crofts]], and went to industries such as fishing and kelping (producing [[soda ash]] from the ashes of kelp). At least until the 1820s, when there were steep falls in the price of kelp, landlords wanted to create pools of cheap or virtually free labour, supplied by families subsisting in new crofting townships. Kelp collection and processing was a very profitable way of using this labour, and landlords petitioned successfully for legislation designed to stop emigration. But the economic collapse of the kelp industry in northern [[Scotland]] led to further emigration, especially to [[North America]]. Natives of the [[Falkland Islands]] are sometimes [[nickname]]d "[[Kelpers]]"<ref>[http://www.allwords.com/word-Kelper.html]allwords.com definition for "Kelper",</ref><ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/kelper] dictionary.com definition for "Kelper"</ref>. The name is primarily applied by outsiders rather than the natives themselves. See the article on [[seaweed fertiliser]]. ==Endangerment== Overfishing nearshore ecosystems leads to the degradation of kelp forests. Herbivores are released from their usual population regulation, leading to over-grazing of kelp and other algae. This can quickly result in barren landscapes where only a small number of species can thrive. == Prominent species == [[Image:Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) 01.jpg|thumb|Giant kelp in the [[Monterey Bay Aquarium]].]] * Bull-head kelp, ''[[Nereocystis luetkeana]]'', a northwestern American species. Used by coastal [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|indigenous peoples]] to create [[fishing net]]s. * Giant kelp, ''[[Macrocystis|Macrocystis pyrifera]]'', the largest seaweed. Found in the [[Pacific]] coast of [[North America]] and [[South America]]. * [[Kombu]], ''[[Laminaria japonica]]'' and others, several edible species of kelp found in [[Japan]]. == Species of ''Laminaria'' in the British Isles == * ''[[Laminaria]] digitata'' (Hudson) J.V. Lamouroux (Oarweed; Tangle) * ''[[Laminaria]] hyperborea'' (Gunnerus) Foslie (Curvie) * ''[[Laminaria]] ochroleuca'' Bachelot de la Pylaie * ''[[Laminaria]] saccharina'' (Linnaeus) J.V.Lamouroux (sea belt; sugar kelp; sugarwack) [[Image:Kelp in Neskowin.jpg|thumb|right|Kelp]] ==Species of ''Laminaria'' world-wide== A comprehensive listing of species in [http://www.algaebase.org/taxonomy.lasso?id=4586&-session=abv3:48E46E6A1d71e0CB2DjYi1914543 ''Laminariales''] and nearly all other algae orders is publicly accessible at http://www.algaebase.org.<ref>'''Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M.''' 2006. [http://algaebase.org AlgaeBase] version 4.2. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. Retrieved [[7 December]] [[2006]]</ref> * ''[[Laminaria]] agardhii'' (NE. [[Americas|America]]) * ''[[Kombu|Laminaria angustata]]'' ([[Japan]]) * ''[[Laminaria]] bongardina'' Postels et Ruprecht (Bering Sea to [[California]]) * ''[[Laminaria]] cuneifolia'' (NE. America) * ''[[Laminaria]] dentigera'' Klellm. ([[California]] - America) * ''[[Laminaria]] digitata'' (NE. America) * ''[[Laminaria]] ephemera'' Setchell (Sitka, Alaska, to Monterey County, [[California]] - America) * ''[[Laminaria]] farlowii'' Setchell (Santa Cruz, [[California]], to Baja California - America) * ''[[Laminaria]] groenlandica'' (NE. America) * ''[[Kombu|Laminaria japonica]]'' ([[Japan]]) * ''[[Laminaria]] longicruris'' (NE. America) * ''[[Laminaria]] nigripes'' (NE. America) * ''[[Laminaria]] ontermedia'' (NE. America) * ''[[Laminaria pallida]]'' Greville ex J. Agardh ([[South Africa]]) * ''[[Laminaria]] platymeris'' (NE. America) * ''[[Laminaria]] saccharina'' (Linnaeus) Lamouroux (Aleutian Islands, Alaska to southern [[California]] America) * ''[[Laminaria]] setchellii'' Silva (Aleutian Islands, Alaska to Baja [[California]] America) * ''[[Laminaria]] sinclairii'' (Harvey ex Hooker f. ex Harvey) Farlow, Anderson et Eaton (Hope Island, British Columbia to Los Angeles, [[California]] - America) * ''[[Laminaria]] solidungula'' (NE. America) * ''[[Laminaria]] stenophylla'' (NE. America) ==Other genera in the Laminariales which may be considered as kelp== * ''Alaria marginata'' Post. & Rupr. ([[Alaska]] and [[California]] - [[Americas|America]] * ''Costaria costata'' (C.Ag.) Saunders [[Japan]]; Alaska, [[California]] - [[Americas|America]]) * ''[[Durvillea antarctica]]'' ([[New Zealand]], [[South America]], and [[Australia]]) * ''[[Durvillea willana]]'' ([[New Zealand]]) * ''Durvillaea potatorum'' (Labillardière) Areschoug ([[Tasmania]]; [[Australia]]) * ''Ecklonia brevipes'' J. Agardh ([[Australia]]; [[New Zealand]]) * ''Ecklonia maxima'' (Osbeck) Papenfuss ([[South Africa]]) * ''[[Ecklonia radiata]]'' (C.Agardh) J. Agardh ([[Australia]]; [[Tasmania]]; [[New Zealand]]; [[South Africa]]) * ''Eisena arborea'' Aresch. (Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Montrey, Santa Catalina Island, [[California]] - America) * ''Egregia menziesii'' (Turn.) Aresch. * ''Hedophyllum sessile (C.Ag.) Setch (Alaska, [[California]] - America) * ''Macrocystis angustifolia'' Bory ([[Australia]]; [[Tasmania]] and [[South Africa]]) * ''Pleurophycus gardneri'' Setch. & Saund. (Alaska, [[California]] - America) * ''Pterygophora californica'' Rupr. (Vancouver Island, British Columbia to Bahia del Ropsario, Baja California and [[California]] - America) ==Interactions== Some animals are named after the kelp, either because they inhabit the same [[habitat (ecology)|habitat]] as kelp or because they feed on kelp. These include: * [[Northern kelp crab]] (''Pugettia producta'') and [[graceful kelp crab]] (''Pugettia gracilis''), Pacific coast of North America. * [[Kelpfish]] ([[blenny]]) (e.g., ''Heterosticbus rostratus'', genus ''[[Gibbonsia]]''), Pacific coast of North America. * [[Kelp Goose|Kelp goose (kelp hen)]] (''Chloephaga hybrida''), South America and the Falkland Islands * [[Sheathbill|Kelp pigeon (sheathbill)]] (''Chionis alba'' and ''Chionis minor''), Antarctic ==References== <references/> ==See also== * [[Kelp forest]] * [[Bladder wrack]] * [[KeLP programming system]] * [[Monterey Bay Aquarium]], which displays a kelp forest and its wildlife. * [[Durvillea]] ==External links== {{commonscat|Laminariales}} {{wikispecies|Laminariales}} ==External links== * [http://www.seavitaminsandmarinenutrition.com/seaweed-video.php Underwater Seaweed Video] <!-- Interwikis found using http://vs.aka-online.de/globalwpsearch/ --> [[Category:Brown algae]] [[Category:Sea vegetables]] [[de:Laminariales]] [[es:Laminariales]] [[fr:Kelp]] [[no:Tarer]] [[pl:Listownicowce]] [[simple:Kelp]] [[sv:Kelp]] [[tr:Kelp]]