Sea Lettuce, Green algae, Green laver, Green nori
Ulva lactuca
Family: Ulvaceae
What it is like
A seaweed. It is bright green. The blades are leaf like. The fronds are broad and ribbon like.
The species in Australia may be Ulva australis.
Where it is found
It grows in tropical and temperate places. They are gathered from rocks along the seacoast. It grows in rock pools and muddy beaches and enters estuaries. It grows well in areas with reduced salinity and thrives where there is not pollution.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Algeria, Andaman Islands, Angola, Asia, Australia, Azores, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Caribbean, Central Africa, Central America, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Denmark, East Africa, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Europe, Faroe Islands, France, French Polynesia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guinée, Hawaii, Hispaniola, Iceland, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lesser Antilles, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Morocco, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Norway, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Reunion, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South America, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, West Africa, West Indies, Western Sahara, Worldwide
How it is used for food
It can be eaten raw, cooked or dried. It is used in soups, salads, stews and as a vegetable. It is made into a tea. Dried powder is used as a seasoning.
Edible parts
Seaweed, frond, algae
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Hai ts'ai, Havsalat, Luche verde, Sea grass, Sosa