Story: Seaweed

The different parts of seaweed

The different parts of seaweed

Seaweeds anchor to surfaces by means of a holdfast. The main body of a seaweed may be divided into fronds or blades, which provide a large surface for the absorption of sunlight. The stem of a seaweed is called a stipe, absent in small seaweeds. Air-filled bladders called floats help to keep the stipe and fronds buoyant.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Melanie Lovell-Smith

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Seaweed - What is seaweed?', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/4583/the-different-parts-of-seaweed (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 12 Jun 2006