Home / Browns / Macrocystis |
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Name derivation: |
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Macrocystis: L. macro- large+ cystis- a cavity pyrifera; L.pyriform in shape Common name: Giant kelp |
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Classification:
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Macrocystis C.Agardh 1820; there
are 18 species of which 1 has been taxonomically accepted.
Order Laminariales; Family Laminariaceae |
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Morphology: |
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The largest seaweed in the world, growing to 60 m long. Thallus consists of a large massive holdfast, multiple stipes, 'pneumatocysts' (air-filled bladders) for floatation at the upper end of the stipes, and corrugated blades. Species of Macrocystis are distinguished primarily on the basis of their holdfast morphologies. Species are distinguished primarily on characteristics of the holdfast. Macrocystis is a perennial.
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Fastest
growth rate of all organisms
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M. pyrifera holds the record for fastest
elongation of up to 60 cm per day and more tha 45 m
in one growing season.
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Similar genera: |
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Nereocystis, Laminaria, Saccharina |
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Habitat: |
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Growing in semi-exposed open coastal habitats, forming extensive kelp 'forests'. It is harvested for aligin (alginic acid) in some temperates areas of the world (e.g. California). Distribution includes North and South America, South Africa, New Zealand and southern Australia. |
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Use: |
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Macrocystis is harvested for the commercial extraction of alginin. Harvest in California has been restricted to the upper two meters of the algae, considered to be a minimal affect on the kelp forest because growth continues from the base, is rapid, and the algae are perennial. |
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References: |
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Abbott I. A. and G. J. Hollenberg. 1976, Marine Algae of California. Stanford University Press, Stanford, xii + 827 pp. Agardh, C.A. (1820
'1821'). Species
algarum rite cognitae,
cum synonymis, differentiis
specificis et descriptionibus
succinctis. Volumen primum. Pars prima. pp. [i-iv],
[1]-168. Lundae [Lund]: ex officina
Berlingiana. Guiry, M.D., and G.M. Guiry 2013. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 16 January 2013. |
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