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The sea lettuces comprise the genus Ulva, a group of edible green algae widely distributed along the coasts of the world's oceans.
The many species of sea lettuce are a popular food in many of the places where they grow, including Scandinavia, Great Britain, Ireland, China, and Japan (where they are known as aosa). They can be eaten raw in salads, or cooked in soups, and are high in protein, soluble dietary fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals including especially iron.
Good sized leaves grow to over 400mm but this only occurs when the plants are growing in sheltered areas.
The type species is Ulva lactuca Linnaeus.
Additionally, some species in the genus Monostroma are known as slender sea lettuces.
It is eaten by some sea animals, such as manatees.
Species in the genus Ulva
and more at algaeBASE
See also
External links
- Marine botany: Ulva
- C. Tanner & Robert Wilkes (2005-02-17). "Ulva Linnaeus 1753: 1163". AlgaeBase.
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