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Common Name (i.e. Rock Weed)
Phylum (i.e. Ochrophyta)
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Flat Pompom Kelp
Lessoniopsis littoralis
Authority:
(Tilden) Reinke
North Pacific Distribution:
Kodiak Archipelago, Alaska, to Monterey County, California.
Phylum:
Ochrophyta
Class:
Phaeophyceae
Order:
Laminariales
Family:
Alariaceae
Former Scientific Names:
Lessonia littoralis
Description: Thallus of this medium to dark brown kelp has a branched holdfast (haptera) and a trunk-like stipe that is profusely dichotomously branched, with each branch terminating in a strap-like blade with midrib. This kelp can reach 2 m (6.5 ft) long. Reproductive sporophylls are located near the base of older blades. Habitat: This perennial kelp is found on rock in the very low intertidal to shallow subtidal in exposed habitats. Similar taxa: Laminaria longipes also has clustered strap-like blades but a rhizomatous holdfast.
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