Seaweed - Structure

Structure

Seaweeds' appearance somewhat resembles non-arboreal terrestrial plants.

  • thallus: the algal body
    • lamina: a flattened structure that is somewhat leaf-like
      • sorus: spore cluster
      • on Fucus, air bladders: float-assist organ (on blade)
      • on kelp, floats: float-assist organ (between lamina and stipe)
    • stipe: a stem-like structure, may be absent
    • holdfast: specialized basal structure providing attachment to a surface, often a rock or another alga.
    • haptera: finger-like extensions of holdfast anchoring to benthic substrate

The stipe and blade are collectively known as the frond.

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