Enteromorpha

Lore & Background

The genus Enteromorpha historically included species of green algae that are now placed within the genus Ulva. These algae are known under the common name green nori. The reclassification reflects taxonomic studies that found Enteromorpha species to be indistinguishable from Ulva at the genus level. The type species of Ulva is Ulva lactuca, whose specific epithet lactuca is Latin for 'lettuce'. The sea lettuces, including former Enteromorpha species, are widely distributed along the coasts of the world's oceans. Individual blades of Ulva can grow to more than 400 mm in size in sheltered areas. They are light to dark green in color, attached by a disc holdfast, and have a leaflike flattened thallus.

Reader's Guide

The reclassification of Enteromorpha into Ulva has significant implications for taxonomy and common knowledge. Green nori, as these algae are called, shares the same genus as sea lettuce and is therefore subject to the same biological and ecological characteristics. The genus Ulva includes edible species consumed in Scandinavia, Great Britain, Ireland, China, and Japan, where it is known as aosa. It is eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups, and is high in protein, soluble dietary fiber, and vitamins and minerals, especially iron. However, contamination with toxic heavy metals at certain collection sites makes it dangerous for human consumption. The genus also includes species that can cause public health concerns when large blooms decompose, as seen in Brittany, France, where rotting algae produced hydrogen sulfide gas, leading to incidents of poisoning. The species formerly in Enteromorpha are now part of this broader genus, and their study contributes to understanding algal blooms and coastal ecology.

Did You Know?

• Enteromorpha species are now classified under the genus Ulva.
• The common name for these algae is green nori.
• Ulva lactuca is the type species of the genus Ulva.
• Green nori is eaten as food in Japan, where it is known as aosa.