4. Ulva
Scientific classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Phylum : Chlorophyta
Class : Ulvophyceae
Order : Ulvales
Family : Ulvaceae
Genus : Ulva
Scientific Name: Ulva Lactuca
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5. Ulva
Introduction
Ulva lactuca, is green to dark green in colour also known by the
common name sea lettuce. Sea-lettuce is a green seaweed of rocky
shores of all the sea's and oceans. This is an incredible fast growing
seaweed, reaching a growth rate of 40% a day in optimal conditions.
Distribution:
The distribution is worldwide: Europe, North America (west and
east coasts), Central American, Caribbean Islands, South
America, Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, South-west Asia, China, Pacific
Islands, Australia and New Zealand.
6. Ulva
Structure
Ulva lactuca is a thin flat
green algae growing from a
discoid holdfast. The membrane is
two cells thick, soft and
translucent, and grows attached,
without a stipe, to rocks or other
algae by a small disc-shaped
holdfast.
7. Ulva
Thallus
The thallus, which somewhat
resembles a lettuce leaf, is a sheet of
cells up to 30 cm (12 inches) long
and two cells thick and is embedded
in a tough gelatinous sheath. The
holdfast, which anchors the alga to its
substrate, is disk like. The dark green
part is the large chloroplast, the single
cup-shaped cell organ that converts
solar light into energy.
9. Ulva
Economic Importance
Can be used to treat goiter
Reduce fever
Ease pain
Induce urination
Remove heavy metals from brackish wastewater
It is rich in iodine and in vitamins A, B, and C and is used in
salads and soups in parts of northern Europe, Japan, and China
