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Flat Pompom Kelp
Lessoniopsis littoralis
Authority:
(Farlow & Setchell ex Tilden) Reinke
North Pacific Distribution:
Kodiak Archipelago, Alaska to Monterey County, California
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Former Scientific Names:
Lessonia littoralis
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Description:
Thallus of this medium to dark brown kelp has a branched holdfast (haptera) and a trunk-like stipe that is profusely dichotomously branched, with each branch terminating in a strap-like blade with midrib. This kelp can reach 2 m (6.5 ft) long. Reproductive sporophylls are located near the base of older blades. Habitat: This perennial kelp is found on rock in the very low intertidal to shallow subtidal in exposed habitats. Similar taxa: Laminaria repens also has clustered strap-like blades but a rhizomatous holdfast.
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