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bladderwrack

brown algae
Also known as: Fucus vesiculosus, common bladderwrack

Quick Summary

The term "bladderwrack" refers to a common type of brown algae, specifically Fucus vesiculosus. This perennial alga is found on rocky seacoasts and in salt marshes in temperate regions. It is characterized by bladder-like floats that help it stay buoyant, and disk-shaped holdfasts that attach it to rocks. Bladderwrack blades are covered in a protective mucilage. Historically, it was a significant source of iodine. The term "bladderweed" can also refer to seaweeds with air bladders, including bladderwrack. It is important to distinguish bladderwrack from bladderwort, which is a genus of carnivorous plants that trap small animals.1234

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