Chuck Davis / Tidal Flats Ltd.

Detail shot of a giant kelp plant, showing its stem-like...

Caption: Detail shot of a giant kelp plant, showing its stem-like stipe, spherical gas-filled bladders (called "pneumatocyts") and blades, in a giant kelp forest at San Clemente Island, California.
Scientific name: Macrocystis pyrifera
Location: San Clemente Island, California
Copyright: © Chuck Davis / Tidal Flats, Ltd.
Photographer Code: UP23127
AGPix ID: AGPix_ChDaTiFl26_0083
Photo Alignment: 35mm (vertical)
Comments: Collectively, the giant kelp stipe, pneumatocysts and blades form a "frond." Many fronds may typically grow from the giant kelp plant's basal holdfast, forming thick stalks of giant kelp. The kelp frond featured in this photograph is fairly young as evidenced by its very clean surface: Older kelp fronds, perhaps five or sixth months old, may become heavily encrusted with bryozoans and other surface algae.