Kelp
Scientific Name:
Macrocystis pyrifera
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Practical Uses
Food additives, habitat for marine life, coastal protection
Soil Type
No soil needed (grows underwater)
Sunlight Requirements
Partial Sun
Water Needs
Grows in water
Fun
Kelp
Facts
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It can grow up to 2 feet per day!
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Kelp forests provide a habitat for many sea animals.
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Kelp is used in ice cream, toothpaste, and even salad dressing!
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Kelp helps protect coastlines from storms.
Where do they live?
Coastal areas, mainly in the Pacific Ocean near North and South America.
Worldwide
Atlantic Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Caribbean
Oceanian
Africa
Antartica
Australia
Asia
Europe
Central America
South America
North America
Location One
How big can they grow?
Worldwide
Atlantic Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Caribbean
Oceanian
Africa
Antartica
Australia
Asia
Europe
Central America
South America
North America
Location One
Up to 100 feet long (in the ocean)
Learn More!
Kelp is a type of large brown seaweed that forms dense underwater forests. It is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth, growing up to 2 feet per day in ideal conditions. Kelp forests are found along coastlines and provide vital habitats for marine life, such as fish, otters, and sea urchins. Kelp is also used in many household products like toothpaste and ice cream due to its gelatinous properties.
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