Woody Kelp
Pterygophora californica
Physical Description
This species is often confused for driftwood due to its stiff, woody strife. Named for its woody stem, the woody kelp features a rigid, sturdy stipe that can grow up to 1.5 meters in length. At the tip of the stipe, there is a small terminal blade, accompanied by longer blades on either side. The terminal blade is smooth with a subtle midrib, while the side blades, known as sporophylls, lack midribs. The entire structure is supported by a large branching holdfast, which is somewhat conical and can reach a diameter of up to 15 centimeters. In total, this kelp species can exceed 2 meters in height.
Habitat
Woody kelp grows most frequently on subtitle rock, and along cobbled coast. This kelp grows best in rough, wavy areas that are exposed. Woody kelp ranges from Kodiak Island, Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.
Ecological Role
Woody kelp plays a crucial ecological role in marine ecosystems. As a primary producer, woody kelp forms the base of the food chain, providing food and habitat for a variety of marine organisms. The dense blades of woody kelp create a complex underwater forest that offers shelter and protection for numerous species of fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms. Additionally, woody kelp helps to improve water quality by absorbing nutrients and carbon dioxide from the surrounding water. This process, known as carbon sequestration, helps to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification and climate change. Woody kelp also plays a role in coastal protection, as its strong holdfasts help to stabilize the seabed and reduce erosion along coastlines. In this way, woody kelp helps to maintain the health and resilience of coastal ecosystems.
Conservation efforts:
There are no current restoration efforts for woody kelp in particular, just general efforts for kelp forests. And due to this being a native species should not be removed although to trim it correctly it is recommended to cut a few inches from the base of the leaves.
Reproduction
Woody stem kelp reproduces through a combination of sexual and asexual reproduction methods. Asexual reproduction occurs through the fragmentation and growth of its blades, allowing broken pieces to develop into new individuals under favorable conditions. Sexual reproduction involves the production of spores, which are released into the water to germinate and develop into male and female gametophytes. Fertilization occurs when sperm cells from male gametophytes fertilize eggs from female gametophytes, resulting in the formation of a zygote. The zygote then grows into a new sporophyte, completing the reproductive cycle of woody stem kelp.
Sources
“The Species.” California Kelp, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, www.marinespecies.wildlife.ca.gov/kelp/the-species/. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.
Zong, Zhiwei, et al. “Life Cycle of Kelp (e.g., Saccharina latissima). During Meiosis, Zoospores n are Formed.” ResearchGate, 2020, www.researchgate.net/figure/Life-cycle-of-kelp-eg-Saccharina-latissima-During-meiosis-zoospores-n-are-formed_fig1_335477535. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.
“Kelp: Forage Seaweed.” Sunset, www.sunset.com/travel/kelp-forage-seaweed. Accessed 29 Oct. 2024.