What Plants Live in the Kelp Forest?
Kelp forests develop in both hemispheres but the most developed ones are along the California coast. They occur in waters that are cold and rich with nutrients. Because they require light for photosynthesis, they are never more than 20 to 80 feet from the surface. Several plants make kelp forests their home. Giant Kelp Giant kelp dominates the kelp forests and are the most recognized plant in this environment, according to the National Marine Sanctuaries. It can grow 10 to 12 inches a day and even up to 24 inches in the right environment. When fully grown, they can reach up to 175 feet, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The giant kelp is a perennial plant that can live up to seven years. It doesn’t have a traditional root system but attaches itself to a rock by holdfasts. This kelp has gas-filled bladders that hold its blade-like leaves upright. Bull Kelp Unlike the giant kelp, the bull kelp is an annual plant. Its life cycle begins and ends in one year. It grows quickly; up to 1
