Desmarestia viridis is a species of brown algae and a member of the phylum Ochrophyta. [1] . It is also known as stringy acid kelp, and is the most acidic of the acid kelps with a vacuolar pH of about 1. [2] . It is best known for releasing sulfuric acid when damaged, usually destroying itself and other nearby marine plant life. [3] .

Description: This highly branching seaweed is connected to a small, disc-shaped holdfast. The many thin, round branches give it a busy appearance. Edibility: Do not eat. Distinctive characteristics: Releases sulfuric acid when damaged. Collection notes: Best to avoid.

Habitat: This annual occurs in the low intertidal and subtidal of semi-protected to semi-exposed habitats. This species has a high acid content and causes specimens to quickly break down.

It grows up to 120 cm (48 in) tall and is considered the most acidic of all the acid kelps, destroying itself and other seaweeds when damaged by releasing sulfuric acid. Habitat: This perennial is found on rock in the very low intertidal to subtidal zones in semi-protected to exposed habitats.

Desmarestia is a genus of brown algae found worldwide. It is also called acid weed, acid kelp, acidweed, [2][3] oseille de mer, sea sorrel, [4] ウルシグサ (urushi-gusa), stacheltang, mermaid's hair, landlady's wig, or gruagach. [5] . However, 'sea sorrel' can also specifically refer to Desmarestia viridis.

Acid seaweed is the most abundant marine algae associated with giant kelp forests. Without the kelp forest, many kinds of fish, snails, crabs and other animals would be much scarcer. The kelp provides sheltered habitat for hundreds of species.

The common name "Flattened Acid Kelp" refers to this species being a flat bodied sulfuric acid secreting member of its genus. Desmarestia ligulata is found abundantly in the shallow subtidal along the shorelines of San Juan Island in Washington State, which made it an excellent algae to study while here at the Friday Harbor laboratories.

Demonstration of Acid Release: In our lab, Noemi and I ran a simple experiment to demonstrate acid release of Desmarestia spp. over time when the algae are stressed. We used two species of Desmarestia, D. viridis and D. ligulata and placed them in dishes of lukewarm water. The algae had been air exposure in transport and instantly created a ...

Mar 7, 2025 · In addition, kelp contains glutamic acid, an amino acid that helps support the integrity of the gut lining. Supports Weight Management . Many people swear by the weight loss benefits of kelp, and there is some scientific support for its fat-burning and slimming properties. Rich in fiber, kelp keeps you feeling full for longer so you take in ...

"Desmarestia viridis" is a species of brown algae found worldwide. The light brown thallus is delicate with a disc-shaped holdfast. It releases sulfuric acid when damaged, destroying itself and nearby seaweeds in the process. They are found in shallow intertidal areas.