![]() ![]() ![]() Because Undaria can displace local species and change ecosystems, it has been nominated as one of the 100 worst invasive species. Undaria was originally found only in cold coastal waters of Japan, Korea, and China, but in recent decades it’s become established in temperate regions all around the world. The two species are related as laminarian kelps, and like Alaria, Undaria blades have a distinctive mid-rib. Notice the wing-like sporophylls at the base of the stipeĪlaria is also known as ‘wild Atlantic wakame’ because of its biological and culinary similarity with Japanese wakame ( Undaria pinnatifida). In the Northwest Atlantic, along the eastern seaboard of North America, Alaria is often known as winged kelp, and the Latin name Alaria esculenta literally translates as ‘edible wing’. Alaria goes by several common names, which vary depending on region. The Latin word Alaria originally referred to the wing of a Roman army, but with the seaweed it’s in reference to the wing-like sporophylls (spore bearing leaves) found at the base of the stipe. Mature plants are generally 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) long and sometimes longer. The sporophyll wings at the base of the frond are reproductive structures that are also unique to Alaria. The midrib is an extension of the short stipe (stem), and its presence makes it hard to confuse Alaria with other brown kelp species also found in the Atlantic. Alaria esculenta is easily recognized for having a distinctive midrib up the blade and several small sporophyll ‘wings’ at the base. The blade is typically long and narrow, soft and flexible, and often pointed at the tip. Alaria attaches to rocks and ledges with a small claw-like holdfast, and it often grows in thick beds. The color ranges from golden-brown to a rich deep brown. Alaria ( Alaria esculenta) is a brown seaweed species usually found ten to thirty or more feet below the high tide line in the sub-tidal zone. ![]()
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