Description: Thallus of this kelp is unique in that it lacks a stipe. It is medium to dark brown with a branched holdfast (haptera) and has a somewhat thick blade up to 1.5 m (5 ft) long. The blade can be bullate (appear puckered) and tear with age. Habitat: This perennial kelp is found on rock in the mid to low intertidal from semi-protected to semi-exposed habitats. Specimens from more exposed habitats tend to be smooth with many splits. Similar taxa: Hedophyllum spp.