Nereocystis (Greek for "mermaid's bladder") is a monotypic genus of kelp containing the species Nereocystis luetkeana. Some common names include edible kelp, bull kelp, bullwhip kelp, ribbon kelp, giant kelp, bladder wrack, and variations on these names. It forms thick beds on rocks, and is an important part of kelp forests. It can grow to a maximum of 36 m (118 ft).