New Zealand Seashore

DSC_8675 Bladder kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) plants up to 20m long, grow anchored on rock, with slender stems reaching the surface where they are bouyed in beautiful patterns by the elongated, pear-shaped air bladders. Found growing in calmer bays, harbours and offshore reefs. Colonies can often be recognised from a distance by the glassy or oily appearance of the water. Karitane *

DSC_8675Bladder kelpMacrocystispyriferaStrap seaweedXiphophoragladiataelongatedpearshapedair bladderscalmer baysharboursoffshore reefsColoniesglassyoilyseasKaritane