Category: Taxonomy

According to taxonomic classification, the order Laminariales contains approximately 30 different genera, all of which are commonly referred to as kelp. This means that while Laminaria is indeed a type of kelp, the two terms are not interchangeable, as the broader kelp category includes many other distinct genera and species.

The sweet potato, known scientifically as *Ipomoea batatas*, belongs to the bindweed or morning glory family, Convolvulaceae. Despite its common name, it is only distantly related to the common potato, and understanding the complete classification of a sweet potato reveals its unique place in the plant kingdom. This botanical journey clarifies its distinct genetic lineage, which is separate from other commonly confused tubers and roots.

Surprisingly, seaweed is not a plant; it is a macroscopic marine alga belonging to a diverse and ancient lineage. Understanding what classification does seaweed belong to reveals that it's not a single taxonomic entity but a common term for different groups of organisms, primarily brown, red, and green algae.