Green algae, Green nori, Green guts, Gutweed
Ulva intestinalis

Family: Ulvaceae

What it is like

It is a green seaweed. It has long filaments. It has fronds that are unbranched tubes. These are irregularly constricted. They can be 25 cm long and 2 cm wide. They can be much smaller.

This seaweed is used as bait for certain fish.

Where it is found

It is distributed almost worldwide. It grows in temperate waters. It can grow in sea water, brackish water and even fresh water. It attaches to rocks and shells and can be floating.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China, Egypt, Europe, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, New Zealand, North America, Norway, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Taiwan, Tasmania, West Africa

How it is used for food

It can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. It is steamed with meat, used in stir-fried dishes, mixed with sesame oil or made into fillings for spring rolls. The dried, toasted and powdered seaweed is used as a condiment on rice, meat, fish, soups and vegetables. It is mixed with cornmeal and made into bread.

It is eaten in many countries. It is sold dry and fresh in markets.

Edible parts

Seaweed, frond, algae

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Baitweed, Lumot, Tarmgronske

Synonyms

Enteromorpha intestinalis (Linnaeus) Nees;