Jump to content

Sargassum polyphyllum

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sargassum polyphyllum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Clade: Diaphoretickes
Clade: SAR
Clade: Stramenopiles
Phylum: Gyrista
Subphylum: Ochrophytina
Class: Phaeophyceae
Order: Fucales
Family: Sargassaceae
Genus: Sargassum
Species:
S. polyphyllum
Binomial name
Sargassum polyphyllum

Sargassum polyphyllum is a species of brown (class Phaeophyceae) macroalgae or limu (seaweed) in the order Fucales.[1]

Description

[edit]

Sargassum polyphyllum, or limu kala, consists of thin, rough, wavy blades and a firm thallus.[2] Its height can range anywhere from 4 to 70 centimeters.[3] Sargassum polyphyllum is versatile and resilient enough to survive in areas such as harsh intertidal zones.[3]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Species of Sargassaceae can be found worldwide. However, Sargassum polyphyllum is endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago. They can be found in intertidal pools and in depths of 75 meters below.[4]

Human use and cultural significance

[edit]

In Hawaiian culture, limu kala is involved in certain religious practices such as asking for forgiveness and certain hula. It is also used in food, as fish bait, and traditional medicine.[5]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Sargassum polyphyllum J.Agardh, 1848". www.marinespecies.org. Retrieved 2022-09-09.
  2. ^ Philippoff, Joanna; Wood, Caroline; Morishige, Kanoe; La Valle, Florybeth F.; Wood, Matthew; Faucci, Anushcka (2018). A Field Guide To Hawaii’s Coastal Organisms: Algae and Invertebrates. College of Education University of Hawaii at Manoa. ISBN 9781583511657.
  3. ^ a b "Sargasssum polyphyllum". www.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2023-03-06.
  4. ^ Abbott, Isabella Aiona (2004). Marine green and brown algae of the Hawaiian Islands. John M. Huisman, Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. Honolulu, Hawaiʻi: Bishop Museum Press. ISBN 1-58178-030-3. OCLC 52929144.
  5. ^ Huisman, John M. (2007). Hawaiian reef plants. Isabella Aiona Abbott, Celia Marie Smith, University of Hawaii at Manoa. Sea Grant College Program. Honolulu, Hawaiʻi: University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program. ISBN 1-929054-04-1. OCLC 123040861.