Image of Giant kelp

Description:

The holdfast anchors giant kelp to the substratum. No, these are not roots but rather haptera--structures that must withstand the drag of ocean surge and the lift of the floats. The alga actually absorbs nutrients through its floating blades. In fact, giant kelp will not grow in quiet water--it requires ocean surge to sweep nutrients across the blades. This cluster of blades enveloping the holdfast constitutes the alga's reproductive structures--they meiotically release millions of spores.