Ulva linza is a large, ribbon-like species of green seaweed that may reach up to 30 cm in length. The thalli are unbranched and often have a frilled margin. The thalli taper into a distinct stipe below and are highly compressed. The width of the thallus is greater in the middle than at the base and may reach 5 cm in width. Ulva linza is bright light to dark green in colouration. 

Original publication: Linnaeus, C. (1753). Species plantarum, exhibentes plantas rite cognitas, ad genera relatas, cum differentiis specificis, nominibus trivialibus, synonymis selectis, locis natalibus, secundum systema sexuale digestas. Vol. 2 pp. [i], 561-1200, [1-30, index], [i, err.]. Holmiae [Stockholm]: Impensis Laurentii Salvii.

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Direct use as food - food, consumed whole; Contains: ash; carbohydrates; lipids; protein; water

Provide biological, medical and pharmacological activity - antimicrobial

Other uses: Ulva linza is used as an edible seaweed in many cultures for its high nutrient content and silky texture. Green algae extracts are also very nutrient rich and make a beneficial addition to natural cosmetic products.

Brodie, J., Maggs, C.A. & John, D.M. (2007). Green seaweeds of Britain and Ireland. pp. [i-v], vi-xii, 1-242, 101 figs. London: British Phycological Society.

Dawes, C.J. & Mathieson, A.C. (2008). The seaweeds of Florida. pp. [i]- viii, [1]-591, [592], pls I-LI. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida.

Hayden, H.S. & Waaland, J.R. (2004). A molecular systematic study of Ulva (Ulvaceae, Ulvales) from the northeast Pacific. Phycologia 43: 364-382.

Hayden, H.S., Blomster, J., Maggs, C.A., Silva, P.C., Stanhope, M.J. & Waaland, J.R. (2003). Linnaeus was right all along: Ulva and Enteromorpha are not distinct genera. European Journal of Phycology 38: 277-294.

Lindeberg, M.R. & Lindstrom, S.C. (2010). Field guide to the seaweeds of Alaska. pp. [i-]iii-iv, 1-188, numerous col. photographs. Fairbanks: Alaska Sea Grant College Program.

Loiseaux-de Goër, S. & Noailles, M.-C. (2008). Algues de Roscoff. pp. [1]-215, col. figs. Roscoff: Editions de la Station Biologique de Roscoff.

Norris, J.N. (2010). Marine algae of the Northern Gulf of California: Chlorophyta and Phaeophyceae. Smithsonian Contributions to Botany 94: i-x, 1-276.

Smith, G.M. (1944). Marine algae of the Monterey Peninsula. pp. i-ix, 1-622, 98 pls. Stanford: Stanford University Press.

Type locality: “In Oceano” (Linnaeus 1753: 1163). Lectotype: Dillenius (1742: pl. 9: fig. 6) (epitype) OXF “Tremella marina fasciata” (Hayden et al. 2003: 289). Notes: Hayden et al. (2003: 289) list the type locality as Sheerness, Kent, England.