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Oarweed (Laminaria digitata)
Top facts
- Oarweed is a species of kelp which can grow up to two metres in length.
- Oarweed attaches to stones and rocky substrates with a holdfast, and can endure the full force of heavy waves.
What’s the World’s Favourite Species?
Find out here.Oarweed fact file
- Description
- Biology
- Range
- Habitat
- Status
- Threats
- Conservation
- Find out more
- Glossary
- References
- Print factsheet
Oarweed description
| Kingdom | Protista |
| Phylum | Phaeophyta |
| Class | Phaeophyceae |
| Order | Laminariales |
| Family | Laminariaceae |
| Genus | Laminaria (1) |
Oarweed (Laminaria digitata), 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).
- Size
- Length: up to 2 m (2)
Oarweed biology
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).
TopOarweed range
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).
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Species with a similar range
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You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway. |
Oarweed habitat
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).
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Top
Species found in a similar habitat
Oarweed status
Common and widespread.
TopOarweed threats
This seaweed is not currently threatened.
TopOarweed conservation
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
For more on this species see the Marine Link Information Network (MarLIN) species account:
http://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/Laminariadigitata.htm
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Glossary
- Perennial
- Plants that live for at least three seasons; after an initial period they produce flowers once a year.
References
-
National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (November, 2002)
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/ -
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 - Fish, J.D. and Fish, S. (1996) A student's guide to the seashore. Second Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
-
The Seaweed Site. Michael D. Guiry (November, 2002)
http://www.seaweed.ie/descriptions/Lamdig.html
More »Related species
This species is featured in:
This is a UK rocky shore species. Visit our habitat page to learn more.
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Image credit
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
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