Ulva prolifera
O. F. Muller
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Summary
Source: WikipediaUlva prolifera (previously Enteromorpha prolifera), also known as the branched string lettuce, is a species of seaweed algae in the family Ulvaceae that can be found worldwide.
Description
A red seaweed in the Ulvaceae family found in temperate waters.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The seaweed/algae is edible.
Known Hazards
Overgrowing algae bloom at the surface of seawater is an environmental hazard to the coastal underwater biome. Surface algae overextension can block the entry of sunlight below the infected water region, creating a much shallower aphotic zone. The disappearance of sunlight can be fatal for the plants and organisms living below the surface that require sunlight. Phytoplankton photosynthesis will be heavily reduced due to the lack of sunlight which is caused by the overgrowing algae blockade. Insufficient primary production in an ocean biome is devastating for maintaining the local food web. Additionally, algal respiration is increased for such algal explosion in biomass. The lack of oxygen in the local water area is harmful for all living organisms. The algae washed ashore is also an environmental hazard during degradation by releasing noxious smell into the air. Accumulation of overgrown algae like U. polifera is not only harmful for the environment but also local underwater biome and tourism value.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Alaska, Australia, Britain, Cuba, Europe, Iran, Ireland, Korea, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, Ukraine, USA, West Indies,
Nutrition
| Part | Moisture | kJ | kcal | Protein | Vit A | Vit C | Iron | Zinc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seaweed | — | — | 19.9 | — | — | — | — | — |
Synonyms
References (2)
- Cherry, P., et al, 2019, Risks and benefits of consuming edible seaweeds. Nutrition ReviewsVR Vol. 77(5):307–329
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
