Oarweed  (Laminaria digitata)

Loading loading

Facts – Oarweed

KingdomProtista
PhylumPhaeophyta
ClassPhaeophyceae
OrderLaminariales
FamilyLaminariaceae
GenusLaminaria (1)
SizeLength: up to 2 m (2)
Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Status – Oarweed

Common and widespread.

Description – Oarweed

Oarweed, also known as 'tangle' or 'tangleweed' is a familiar glossy golden brown kelp, which grows attached to rocky substrates with a dome-shaped cluster of root-like holdfasts (3). The smooth and flexible stipe (stem) is oval in cross-section, and gives rise to a broad frond that is divided into ribbon-like segments and lacks a midrib (2).

Range – Oarweed

Occurs around the coasts of Britain, but is scarce along parts of the east coast due to a lack of hard substrates and turbidity of the water (2). Elsewhere it is known from the Atlantic coasts of Europe, as well as from Iceland, southern Greenland and the eastern coasts of North America (2).

You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Habitat – Oarweed

This kelp is characteristic of the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal zones (4), and can reach a depth of 20m in clear water (2). It seems to fare particularly well in moderately exposed areas or where there are strong water currents (2).

Biology – Oarweed

This perennial species lives for 4-6 years (2). New growth occurs at the base of the stipe, where it joins to the frond; although growth occurs throughout the year, it seems to be fastest during the spring (3).Kelp beds are important habitats for many other species (2).

Kelps have been used by humans as a source of chemicals, as agricultural fertilisers, and for culinary uses (2).

Threats – Oarweed

This seaweed is not currently threatened.

Conservation – Oarweed

No conservation action has been targeted at this species.

There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.

Find out more – Oarweed

For more on this species see the Marine Link Information Network (MarLIN) species account:
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Laminariadigitata.htm

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact: arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

  • Perennial: plants that live for at least three seasons; after an initial period they produce flowers once a year.

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (November, 2002)
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
  2. Hill, J.M., 2000. Laminaria digitata. Oarweed. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Sub-programme [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. (August, 2002)
    http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Laminariadigitata.htm
  3. Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. Second Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
  4. The Seaweed Site. Michael D. Guiry (November, 2002)
    http://www.seaweed.ie/descriptions/Lamdig.html
More

Related species

More

Related species by status

No related species found
More

Related species by geography

More

Related species by habitat

What's new?

Thorny skate swimming over sea floor

New profile for the Vulnerable thorny skate. More

Latest from the ARKive blogsubscribe to posts

Loading...
ARKive.org is the place for films, photos and facts about endangered species. Subscribe to our blog today to keep up to date!

To see the latest posts from ARKive please visit http://blog.arkive.org or enable javascript.

Image credit

Oarweed stipes and fronds
Oarweed stipes and fronds

© lauriecampbell.com

Laurie Campbell Photography
Hestia
Paxton
Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 1TE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1289 386 736
Fax: +44 (0) 1289 386 746
info@lauriecampbell.com
http://www.lauriecampbell.com

Link to this photo

ARKive species - Oarweed (Laminaria digitata) Embed this ARKive thumbnail link by copying and pasting the code below.

Terms of Use - The displayed thumbnail may be used as a link from your website to ARKive's online content for not-for-profit private, scientific, conservation or educational purposes only. Portlets may NOT be used within Apps.

MyARKive

Oarweed stipes and fronds

MyARKive offers the scrapbook feature to signed-up members, allowing you to organize your favourite ARKive images and videos and share them with friends.