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Agarum clathratum (Sieve kelp)
Agarum fimbriatum (Sea collander)
Copyright © 2006 Jan Holmes
These broad bladed perennial kelps have a single prominent midrib arising from a stipe 2 to 30 cm (1-12 inches) long depending on the species. The stipe of A. fimbriatum has branched projections (fimbriations) erupting from the sides of the stipe and a much flattened midrib. Blades of Agarum can reach 90 cm (3 feet) in length and 50 cm (20 inches) in width. The blades of A. clathratum are perforated with numerous small holes whereas the blades of A. fimbriatum are puckered with small depressions called bullations. Both have a haptera type holdfast. Both species are mostly subtidal but can occasionally be found during very low tides on exposed beaches. O'Clair and Lindstrom note in North Pacific Seaweeds that juvenile spot prawns spend the first year or two of their life in A. clathratum kelp beds.
This
page was created by Jan Holmes on 12/20/06.
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