The Giant Kelp Forests That Grow Faster Than Any Plant on Earth

Deep beneath the ocean waves, forests sway gently in the current. But these are not trees. They are giant kelp, the fastest-growing plants on our planet. Some kelp can grow up to two feet in just one day. That's faster than bamboo, faster than any plant on land.

Giant kelp can reach over 100 feet tall, stretching from the ocean floor all the way to the sunlit surface. They look like underwater trees with long, golden-brown blades instead of leaves. Special air-filled pockets called bladders help the kelp float upright, like tiny balloons holding them toward the sunshine they need to grow.

These kelp forests are home to thousands of ocean creatures. Sea otters wrap themselves in kelp to keep from drifting away while they sleep. Fish hide among the swaying blades. Sea urchins, crabs, and colorful sea stars crawl along the forest floor below.

Kelp forests grow in cool, shallow waters along many coastlines. They need rocky ocean floors to anchor their roots and plenty of sunlight streaming through the water. When conditions are just right, these amazing underwater forests can spring up surprisingly fast.

Scientists love studying kelp forests because they help keep our oceans healthy. The kelp provides food and shelter for so many animals. Next time you visit the ocean, remember that beneath the waves, there might be a forest growing faster than you can imagine.