Living in the Baltic Sea

Age
4-6 years old
Record size
100 cm
Habitat
The species is common especially on sheltered shores from the middle littoral to lower intertidal levels. It is rare on exposed shores where any specimens may be short, stunted and without the air vesicles. It rarely lives deeper than 4-5 m depths. It grows on rocks and mussel shells. It often get pushed up on the beach, when it has become so large that the base of rock, mussel or other base no longer can keep it in the water. It can tolerate dry periods as well as periods of submersion.
Nutrition
By photosynthesis, carbon dioxide in the air is mixed with hydrogen in water to make carbohydrates that plants live on.

Reproduction
Reproduction takes place in the summer. The egg cells are formed on the female plants and the sperms in the male plants. They disperse in the water and after the eggs get fertilized, the zygote (the initial cell formed when a new organism is produced by means of sexual reproduction) settles and grows to for a new plant.

Human impact and Status
It was the original source of iodine, discovered in 1811, and was used extensively to treat goitre, a swelling of the thyroid gland related to iodine deficiency. It has been claimed to be a thyroid stimulant, could counter obesity by increasing the metabolic rate and, since then, it has been featured in numerous weight-loss remedies. It has a reputation in helping the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis, both used internally and as an external application upon inflamed joints.

A chemical constituent of Bladder Wrack called alginic acid is used in several over-the-counter preparations for heartburn. The same constituent gives Bladder Wrack laxative properties as well.

Bladder Wrack has been shown to help women with abnormal menstrual cycling patterns and/or menstrual-related disease histories.

It is a common food in Japan, Bladder Wrack is used as an additive and flavoring in various food products in Europe. CLOSE