‘Underwater plant that can grow over a foot a day’ NYT Mini Crossword clue answer and hints

There are many things associated with life under the sea: Sea life, sunken ships, getting close to sharks via a flimsy metal cage (which baffles me to this day), and plants. We’re looking at a particular “Underwater plant that can grow over a foot a day” in today’s NYT Mini Crossword.

‘Underwater plant that can grow over a foot a day’ NYT Mini clue hints

• Hint one: It’s almost a cry for help.
• Hint two: “E” is the only vowel.
• Hint there: Can be used as a code for El Paso International Airport.
• Hint four: Ends with “P.”

These clues will soon become water under the bridge as I reveal the answer.

‘Underwater plant that can grow over a foot a day’ answer in NYT Mini Crossword Aug. 15

“KELP” solves our eight-across clue and is an “Underwater plant that can grow over a foot a day.”

To reiterate, it’s almost a cry for help—and if you’re reading this guide, you had your own cry for help—and “KELP” is one of several code names that can be used for El Paso International Airport.

NYT Aug. 15 Mini Crossword puzzle: All clues and answers

Across

• 1A With 6-Across, ‘Let me start by saying … — FIRST
• 6A See 1-Across — OF ALL
• 7A Historical object — RELIC
• 8A Underwater plant that can grow over a foot a day — KELP
• 9A Mischievous — SLY

Down

• 3D Presidential candidate’s event — RALLY
• 4D Lose one’s footing — SLIP
• 5D ’90s girl group with the hit “No Scrubs” — TLC
• 1D Section of a cutlery drawer — FORKS
• 2D “It’s in my opinion that…” — I FEEL

NYT crossword clue ‘Underwater plant that can grow over a foot a day’ difficulty, explained

I’ve heard the word “KELP” before but couldn’t think of it for the life of me. Everyone’s familiar with coral reefs, but I think “KELP” is likely to cause an issue or two—though you can get closer to the answer by solving clues around it. I’m giving this a four out of five, with one down and four down being a big help toward finding the answer.

How to play more puzzles like NYT Mini Crossword

I recommend the LA Times, Washington Post, Strands, and Spelling Bee if you’re seeking extra word challenges that also shake up the format. From making words to seeking out uniquely presented word formations, there’s something here for everyone.