Saccorhiza polyschides, common name furbelows, is a large brown algae of the lower shore and is the largest seaweed found in Europe.White, N. 2008. Saccorhiza polyschides Furbelows. In Tyler-Walters H. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Accessed 12 December 2025.
Description Saccorhiza polyschides is a large and bulky seaweed growing to 2 – 4 metres long. The holdfast is a large, bulbousLewis, J.R. 1964. The Ecology of Rocky Shores. The English Universities Press Ltd. p.137 hollow, knobbly structure. The stipe is long, tough, leathery and rigid and is several centimetres wide. Near the base the margin forms several broad, wavy frills. These ruffles tend to dissipate wave energy and lessen the likelihood that it will be torn from the rock. The frond is digitate with about eight large flat lobes and may be massive. The lack of a midrib distinguishes it from Alaria esculenta.Newton, N. (1931). A Handbook of the British Seaweeds. British Museum, London.Dickinson, C. I. (1963). British Seaweeds. The Kew Series, Eyre & Spottiswoods. It is an extremely fast growing species, growing annually from the base and becoming fully extended over the course of a few months.Barrett, J. H. and C. M. Yonge, 1958. Collins Pocket Guide to the Sea Shore. P. 225. Collins, London
Habitat Saccorhiza polyschides is found on the lowest part of the shore. It cannot tolerate desiccation and may be found in places where it is wetted by spray when uncovered by the retreating tide. It is often found in association with Laminaria hyperborea.
Distribution Distribution including Europe: Ireland, Britain, Faroes, France, Greece, Helgoland, Isla de Alboran, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scandinavia and Spain.Saccorhiza polyschides (Lightfoot) Batters. Algaebase, accessed 2 February 2010.
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