Ecklonia radiata
Common name
Common kelp, paddle (common) weed
Family
Lessoniaceae
Flora category
Non-vascular – Native
Endemic taxon
No
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Brief description
This algae grows to about 1 metre long. It has a many fronds that arise from a central supporting stem.
Threats
Common kelp is not a threatened species but it is the preferred food of the sea urchin, kina (Evechinus chloroticus) which, on occasion, mass together and eat an entire forest of the species.
Etymology
ecklonia: Named in honour of Christian Friedrich Ecklon(1795-1868).Danish pharmacist, botanist and plant collector and one of the early botanical explorers of the Cape of Good Hope.