Ecklonia radiata
Common names
Common kelp, paddle (common) weed
Biostatus
Native
Category
Non-vascular
Simplified description
This algae grows to about 1 metre long. It has a many fronds that arise from a central supporting stem.
Threats
Common kelp is not a threatened species but it is the preferred food of the sea urchin, kina (Evechinus chloroticus) which, on occasion, mass together and eat an entire forest of the species.
Detailed taxonomy
Genus
Family
Endemic taxon
No
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Other information
Etymology
ecklonia: Named in honour of Christian Friedrich Ecklon(1795-1868).Danish pharmacist, botanist and plant collector and one of the early botanical explorers of the Cape of Good Hope.