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Ulva compressa Linnaeus

Formerly widely known as Enteromorpha compressa.
Description: Compressed, elongated, hollow fronds with a green colour.
Habitat: Rock pools and sandy rocks, particularly in places with widely varying salinities such as upper-shore pools (below). Extremely tolderant to widely varying salinities and temperatures. Bubbles of oxygen (from photosynthesis) often apparent in the tubular fronds.
Distribution: Common through Britain and Ireland, and seemingly world-wide.
Similar species: Ulva (Enteromorpha) intestinalis which tends to be more tubular.
Usage: Used dried in cooking, particularly with hens' eggs.

Entermorpha intestinalis, Ulva intestinalis, Ulva compressa, Ulva intestinalis

Species list

Photographs © M.D. Guiry

Ulva compressa
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