Saccharina latissima
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Saccharina latissima is a brown alga (class Phaeophyceae), of the family Laminariaceae. It is known by the common names sugar kelp,[1] sea belt,[2] and Devil's apron,[3] and is one of the species known to Japanese cuisine as kombu.[4] It is found in the north Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean and north Pacific Ocean.
Description
Saccharina latissima is a yellowish brown colour with a long narrow, undivided blade that can grow to Script error: No such module "convert". long and Script error: No such module "convert". wide. The central band is dimpled while the margins are smoother with a wavy edge, this is to cause greater water movement around the blades to aid in gas exchange. The frond is attached to the rock by stout rhizoids about 5 mm in diameter[2] in the intertidal and sublittoral zones by a claw-like holdfast and a short, pliable, cylindrical stipe.[5]
Distribution and habitat
It is found in the north Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean and north Pacific Ocean. It is common along the coast of Northern Europe as far south as Galicia Spain. In North America, it is found on the East Coast down to Long Island, although historically extended down to New Jersey[6] and on the West Coast down to the state of Washington. On the coast of Asia, it is found south to Korea and Japan.[7]
Ecology
Saccharina latissima is an ecologically important system. It is a primary producer, delivering plant material to the coastal food web. The three-dimensional forests also serve as a habitat for animals, resulting in a high biodiversity. Fish, shellfish and other animals find food and hiding places within these forests.[8]
It can be infected by the pathogenic fungus (to kelp) Phycomelaina laminariae.[9]
Threats
In 2004, scientists reported a loss in sugar kelp of up to 80% at Skagerrak and 40% at the West coast of Norway.[1][10][11] The reasons for this loss are not fully understood, but the increase in ocean temperature, high levels of nutrients and the reduction in animal species feeding off the filamentous algae are suggested as the most likely reasons.[12]
Uses
Sugar kelp is used as a food in many places where it grows, one of many species often called kombu. Sugar kelp can be used as a vegetable in salads but is most frequently used in soups and stocks where it provides savory flavors and is especially highly valued in vegetarian cooking.[13] Kombu is a key component of miso soup. The savory flavor of sugar kelp comes from free amino acids like glutamate. Monosodium glutamate was first isolated from Saccharina.[14] Sugar kelp gets its name due to it containing the sugar alcohol mannitol which is extracted from it to be used as a sugar substitute, especially for chewing gum.[15]
Gallery
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Saccharina latissima on a beach
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Saccharina lattissima from Avacha Bay
References
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- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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- ↑ Saccharina latissima (Linnaeus) J.V. Lamouroux The Seaweed Site. Retrieved 2011-09-20.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
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- ↑ Christie H, Norderhaug KM, Fredriksen S. 2009. Macrophytes as habitat for fauna. Marine Ecology Progress Series 396: 221-233
- ↑ Helgi Hallgrímsson & Guðríður Gyða Eyjólfsdóttir (2004). Íslenskt sveppatal I - smásveppir [Checklist of Icelandic Fungi I - Microfungi. Fjölrit Náttúrufræðistofnunar. Náttúrufræðistofnun Íslands [Icelandic Institute of Natural History]. ISSN 1027-832X
- ↑ Rinde E, Christie H. 1992. A survey of rocky bottom communities in the coastal area of Telemark. NINA Oppdragsmelding 133: 1-23.
- ↑ Moy, F., Christie, H. 2012. Large-scale shift from sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) to ephemeral algae along the south and west coast of Norway. Marine Biology Research 8: 309-321
- ↑ Moy, F., Stålnacke, P., 2007. Sugar Kelp Project: Analyses of Climate and Environmental Data with Relevance for Sugar Kelp, SFT Report TA-2279/2007, NIVA Report 5454, 210 pp.
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