Nereocystis | |
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Nereocystis luetkeana at Caspar Point, California | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Clade: | Diaphoretickes |
Clade: | SAR |
Clade: | Stramenopiles |
Phylum: | Gyrista |
Subphylum: | Ochrophytina |
Class: | Phaeophyceae |
Order: | Laminariales |
Family: | Laminariaceae |
Genus: | Nereocystis Postels & Ruprecht |
Species: | N. luetkeana
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Binomial name | |
Nereocystis luetkeana (K.Mertens) Postels & Ruprecht
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Nereocystis (Greek, 'mermaid's bladder') is a monotypic genus of subtidal kelp containing the species Nereocystis luetkeana.[1] Some English names include edible kelp, bull kelp, bullwhip kelp, ribbon kelp, bladder wrack, and variations of these names.[2] Due to the English name, bull kelp can be confused with southern bull kelps, which are found in the Southern Hemisphere.[3][4] Nereocystis luetkeana forms thick beds on subtidal rocks, and is an important part of kelp forests.