Ascophyllum

genus of brown algae

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June 18, 2026

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Ascophyllum is a genus of brown algae belonging to the family Fucaceae. These algae are characterized by clavate, compressed, or somewhat inflated branchlets scattered along their axis. They are commonly known as bladder-bearing rockweeds and are found along the northern Atlantic coast. Some species within this genus are utilized in the kelp industry. Ascophyllum spores require sheltered shores for attachment, limiting their distribution.12

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marine ecosystem
Benthos
For example, Ascophyllum spores cannot attach to rock in even a gentle ocean surge; as a result this plant is largely restricted to sheltered shores. The fastest-growing plant—adding as much as 1 metre per day to its length—is the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, which is found on…
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For example, Ascophyllum spores cannot attach to rock in even a gentle ocean surge; as a result this plant is largely restricted to sheltered shores. The fastest-growing plant—adding as much as 1 metre per day to its length—is the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera, which is found on…
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algae
Annotated classification
…species, almost all marine; includes Ascophyllum, Ectocarpus, Fucus, Laminaria, Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Pelagophycus, Pelvetia, Postelsia, and
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…species, almost all marine; includes Ascophyllum, Ectocarpus, Fucus, Laminaria, Macrocystis, Nereocystis, Pelagophycus, Pelvetia, Postelsia, and
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