How Does Kelp Reproduce?
Giant Kelp have an unusual life history – a hetermorphic alternation of generations – comprising a diploid (2n) sporophyte generation (which forms the large leafy plants), which produces spores that develop into the microscopic haploid (n) gametophyte generation (comprising male and female gametophytes). These microscopic plants on the seafloor fertilise to give rise to the leafy sporophyte. The spores are found in sori located on the blades, within special blades called sporophylls, located at the base of the plant (branching off the stipes just above the holdfast). A single adult plant can produce many sporophylls, each sporophyll containing billions of spores. Diagram in link.
