Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Undaria, Spores and Fertile Bases...<br />
Undaria pinnatifida, from the Latin "unda", a<br />
wave, and pinnatififa, feather-shaped, is also<br />
commonly known as “Wakame” in Japan.<br />
It is a brown macro-algae attaining up to 2m.<br />
When mature, the edges of the stipe become<br />
broader and wavy. These new tissues, known<br />
as fertile bases or even Mekabu, contain the<br />
reproductive cells of the alage.<br />
The Undaria reproductive cells are released<br />
into the environment before the adult plant<br />
dies off at the end of the summer. Each<br />
reproductive cell will then germinate into a<br />
new alga, ensuring the reproduction and the<br />
perenn<strong>it</strong>y of the species.<br />
Fertile bases, Mekabu are much appreciated<br />
in Japanese food.<br />
Fertile base, full of<br />
reproductive cells
Change language