Gardeners’ queries
A fascinating and at times spell-binding sight on some of our rocky coast line, particularly down the more southern parts of the east coast, is the effect of the ebb and flow of the sea on the giant bull kelp.
Individual specimens of Durvillea antarctica above, can attain a span of twelve metres or more. When stretched to its limits and then bunched up again this marine vegetation looks like a giant, writhing octopus as the sea surges
back and forth. Air spaces within give it buoyancy as it clings firmly to the rocks. But the activites of worms and molluscs set many adrift, and so they are often to be seen, along with other sea weeds,
washed up on the beach. This sea weed is used by the Maoris to make leather-like pouches for holding mutton birds, and as floats for fishing. In Chile, it serves as a vegetable, and as an ingredient for soup.
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Press, 25 May 1984, Page 10
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158Gardeners’ queries Press, 25 May 1984, Page 10
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