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Enteromorpha spp. (Green ribbon, green string, sea hair, and others)
Copyright © 2006 Jan Holmes
The variety of common names illustrates the morphological diversity of this seaweed which is now taxonomically synonymous with the genus Ulva. Colors range from light yellow to dark green. Species can be tubular at the base of the plant or throughout, and branching occurs in some species. Compressed tubes (up to 10 cm [4 inches] wide) are two cell layers thick but the two cell layers can separate to form a hollow tube with walls one cell layer thick.
Species of Enteromorpha can be found throughout the entire intertidal and subtidally. Enteromorpha spp. thrive in a wide range of salinities including areas of fresh water seep and highly saline evaporating tide pools. Species can form dense free-floating mats in protected areas or grow attached to rocks, floats, or other algae. Some species attain lengths of over 30 centimeters (1 foot) but the blades are ribbon or string-like, and do not usually form broad sheets like sea lettuce.
This
page was created by Jan Holmes on 8/18/06.
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