Family Name: Fucaceae
Botanical Name(s): Fucus Vesiculosus
Popular Name(s): Kelp, Seawrack, Kelpware, Black-Tang, Bladder
Fucus, Cutweed, Bladderwrack and Sea Weed.
Parts Used: The whole plant.
Habitat: Native of North Atlantic Ocean.
Description: The perennial plant is coarse, light yellow or
brownish-green in color, erect and from 2 to 3 feet in height. It
attaches itself to the rocks by branched, root like, discoid, woody
extremities, developed from the base of the stalk. The front is almost
fan-shaped, narrow and strap-shaped at the base, the rest flat and
leaf-like in form.
Uses: In great amount, kelp ash is used in soap and glass
production. Alginate, a kelp-derived carbohydrate, is used to thicken
products like ice cream, jelly, salad dressing, and toothpaste, as well
as in manufactured goods. Kelp has been used in the treatment of goiter
and scrofulous swellings.
