Ulva compressa

{{Short description|Species of alga}}

{{Speciesbox

|image = Ulva compressa.jpg

|image_caption = Ulva compressa

|genus = Ulva

|species =compressa

|authority = Linnaeus, 1753

}}

Ulva compressa is a species of seaweed in Ulvaceae family that can be found in North America, Mediterranean Sea, and throughout Africa and Australia.{{cite web|url= https://seaweedindustry.com/seaweed/type/ulva-compressa|title=Ulva compressa|publisher=Seaweed Industry|access-date=March 24, 2013}}

Description

The species is green coloured and is measured {{convert|2|-|20|cm}} in length.{{cite web|url=http://www.flora.sa.gov.au/efsa/algae_revealed/pdf/Enteromorpha_compressa.pdf|title= Enteromorpha (Ulva) compressa (Linnaeus) Greville|access-date=March 24, 2013}}

Distribution

This species is widespread worldwide including in the North and South Atlantic and in the Pacific Ocean.{{Cite book|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/841897290|title=New Zealand seaweeds : an illustrated guide|last=W. A.|first=Nelson|publisher=Te Papa Press|year=2013|isbn=9780987668813|location=Wellington, New Zealand|pages=42|oclc=841897290|author-link=Wendy Nelson (marine scientist)}}

Habitat

The species can be found in the intertidal zone in sheltered to open coastal sites, in shallow water, tide pools, and also on rock pools and sand.{{cite web|url=http://www.seaweed.ie/descriptions/ulva_compressa.php |title=Ulva compressa Linnaeus|access-date=March 24, 2013}}

Consumption and production

The plant is widely produced in China, Japan, and Korea. The species is edible by both animals and humans alike, due to its high levels of nutrients and good taste. It is also used in various cosmetics to prevent skin itchiness. It is used as fertilizer because it adds a wide range of minerals to the soil.

References