Plants with olive or yellow-brown fronds to 4 m long and 25 cm wide. Attached by a root-like holdfast at the base from which a narrow flexible stipe arises which continues into the leafy part of the plant as a distinct mid-rib. The reproductive structures, apparent as dark-brown areas, are confined to unbranched leafy appendages borne on the stipe, usually in two rows. This is the only kelp-like plant in Ireland and Britain with a distinct midrib and is the only one with sporangia borne at the base of the frond in special leaflets called sporophylls.

Original publication: Greville, R.K. (1830). Algae britannicae, or descriptions of the marine and other inarticulated plants of the British islands, belonging to the order Algae; with plates illustrative of the genera. pp. [i*-iii*], [i]-lxxxviii, [1]-218, pl. 1-19. Edinburgh & London: McLachlan & Stewart; Baldwin & Cradock.

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Alaria esculenta is an attractive alga, whose name literally means 'edible wings'. It attaches to a rock or other hard substrate by claw shaped holdfast (haptera), from which a short, distinct narrow, cylindrical, flexible stalk (stipe) arises, which then forms the very distinct strong, flattened, midrib of the leafy part of the plant (frond). These large, narrow, elongated, ribbed, flattened, ribbon-like, and slightly wavy fronds have a distinct midrib, supple to the touch and very flexible. The base of the stipe also bears wavy membranous lamina up to 7 centimeters wide on either side. Its color can be yellowish, olive-green, olive-brown, yellow-brown, or a rich brown. It can sometimes grow huge, with fronds up to 5 meters long and 25 centimeters wide, although they are typically not longer than 1 or 2 meters long.

Alaria esculenta is a hardy seaweed that is common in very exposed and wave-battered areas of the lower shore. The very tough midrib gives it the strength along the length of the frond to withstand the destructive forces of the water. The blade may be tattered and torn by wave action, sometimes leaving only the midrib. In areas where the wave action is moderate it can grow to much greater lengths and widths. It grows profusely on rocky outcrops in very exposed places, often forming a band at low water and in shallow subtidal areas, though it can also be found in rock pools on the lower shore. It can swirl about in the surf, and then lay strewn over the rocks as the tide recedes. Alaria esculenta is a colonizing species, and can form the main canopy in the exposed rocky areas where it grows. Although it is typically not found at a depth more than 8 - 10 meters, it has been recorded at a depths over 20 meters. Its highest seasonal growth rate can reach 20 - 25 centimeters per month. Alaria esculenta is a perennial which can lives up to 7 years in some locations. Alaria esculenta can sometimes be confused with Undaria pinnatifida.

Link for Seaweed Industry Association

Dabberlocks - Alaria esculenta - Reproduction and longevity

Link for MarLIN

Alaria esculenta can be used for a variety of purposes from human consumption and alginate production to fodder and bodycare products. It is rapidly gaining popularity in the natural foods market. It can be ordered from many sellers as whole, flaked, milled, or powdered. It is used for anti-aging body creams, foot creams, bath soaks, body and face masks, body polish, UV-protecting facial moisturizers, self-tanning lotions, lip balm, day- and night-creams, and nutritional supplements to name a few. In Canada and the United States this seaweed is sometimes sold as 'Atlantic wakame' and is presented as an alternative to traditional Japanese wakame (Undaria pinnatifida). Alaria esculenta also has potential as a foodstuff in aquaculture for herbivorous molluscs such as abalone. Over 20 sellers with over 70 Alaria esculenta-based products have been identified. These sellers are from Germany, Italy, France, Ireland, UK, Canada, and the United States.

It is high in calcium, Vitamins A, B2, B6, B12, K, iodine, and bromine, and also contains Vitamin C, nitrogen, boron, radium, rubidium, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, and trace elements. It is rich in sugars, proteins, vitamins and other trace metals and contains up to 42% alginic acid. Because of its high levels of vitamins, Alaria esculenta is claimed to help cell reproduction, red cell production, stimulate immunity, and assist with the formation of some hormones. It also may support healthy vision, skin, hair, and mucous membranes while promoting bone growth and tooth development. Vitamins in Alaria esculenta are important for reproduction and help in releasing energy from carbohydrates. Its vitamins may also play a role in the creation of antibodies in the immune system, help maintain normal nerve function, and support the chemical reactions of proteins. 

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http://www.algaebase.org/search/species/usage/?id=82

Gittenberger, A., Rensing, M., Stegenga, H. & Hoeksema, B. (2010). Native and non-native species of hard substrata in the Dutch Wadden Sea. Nederlandse faunistische Mededelingen No. 33: 21-75.

Lane, C.E. & Saunders, G.W. (2005). Molecular investigation reveals epi/endophytic extrageneric kelp (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) gametophytes colonizing Lessoniopsis littoralis thalli. Botanica Marina 48: 426-436.

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

Widdowson, T.B. (1971). A taxonomic revision of the genus Alaria Greville. Syesis 4: 11-49.

English: Dabberlocks; Edible Kelp; Honeyware; Henware; Wing Kelp; Bladderlochs; Tangle; Murlins;  Bladder locks; Edible fucus; locks, Bladder; Fucus, edible.

German: Essbarer riementang.

French: Alimentaire varech.

Icelandic: Marinkjarni.

Other names: Alaries succulente, Atlantic wakame, badderlocks, bladder locks, bladderlock, cupóg, cupóg nag cloc, dabberlocks, daberlocks, edible fucus, essbarer Riementang, Flügeltang, havskål, honeyware, Irish wakame, keys, láin, madrai, murlins, ribiní, rufai, varech alimentaire, wild Atlantic wakame, wing kelp, winged kelp

Type locality: Atlantic Ocean.