Wakame

Scientific name

Undaria pinnatifida

Key features

Key features of Wakame include:

• frilly growth (sporophyll) at base of plant
• usually found in cooler months
• well defined mid-rib running up length of blade
• smooth, thin blades that stop well before base of plant
• green/brown.

Habitat

The Wakame:

• found from low tide mark to 20m
• rock, reef and stones, artificial structures (marinas, moorings, etc.) and aquaculture equipment.

Impacts

The Wakame:

• can rapidly colonise areas previously devoid of large algal species.

Known established populations

The Wakame is currently present in Port Phillip Bay, Apollo Bay harbour, Port Welshpool, Portland.