How are kelp
babies made?

The life cycle of Ecklonia radiata

From Golden Kelp zoospores, to gametophytes which become clusters of tiny kelp babies, sporophytes are “born” . . .
This is a story of a brown algae with a forest of complexities!

 
Golden Kelp Life Cycle from Zoospore through to Sporophyte
 
 

A look through the microscope

Zoospores

Kelp gangs forming

Early Germination Phase

Sporophyte (Baby)

Male Gametophytes?

Sporophyte Cluster

Germination

Multiple Sporophyte Clusters