Factsheets for Brown Seaweeds (phylum Phaeophyta)

Genus: Alaria Trade name: alaria Symbol: AL
Authority: Greville Type species: Alaria esculenta (Linnaeus) Greville
Commercial species: crassifolia (CRS), fitulosa (FIT), marginata (MAR), esculenta (ESC)
Common names: Ainu-wakame, Bladderlochs, Chigaiso, Chishima-wakame,  Dabberlocks, Edible Kelp, Enaga-wakame, Ezo-wakame, Fruill, Henware, Honeyware, Horsetail kelp, Karafuto-wakame, Kauan, Kausam, Kelp meal, Kunashiri-wakame, Kutare, Láir, Láracha, Marinkjarni, Murlins, Oarweed, Oni-wakame,  
Classification: Eukaryota, Phylum Heterokontophyta, Order Laminariales, Family Alariaceae. 
AlgaeBase names and species:  33 names - 16 current as of 12-2001.
Comprehensive lists of common names , generic & specific names can be found at AlgaeBase. >>Click here<<  for DiveBorneo's policy on names.
DiveBorneo SeaPlant Utility Rating
Useful food & polymer source - can be farmed - expansion potential
Agronomy & harvesting must use good  environmental practices.
Description
Kelp-like plant with distinct midrib & with sporangia borne at the base of the frond in special leaflets ("wings" called sporophylls) in two rows on the stipe. Olive or yellow-brown fronds to 4 m long and 25 cm wide. Narrow flexible stipe forms a distinct midrib through the frond. 
Habitat
Rocky, exposed shores in temperate areas. Needs clean seawater at full salinity. Often forms a band near low tide mark & in shallow subtidal Also in tidal pools. Distinguishing features: 

Alaria Production
click country to go to GIS		 Tons per annum
wild harvest		 Tons per annum
cultivated
Canada n/a n/a
Ireland n/a n/a
Iceland n/a n/a
Japan n/a n/a
USA n/a n/a
Total 

n/a

 n/a n/a
Production
Normally harvested in limited quantities from wild sources but the Irish Seaweed Industry Organisation is cultivating Alaria on ropes in Ireland. Production figures being sought.
Biology & Agronomy
Wild harvest. 
Chemistry
Alaria is a source of alginates. 
Processing
Generally sun dried. May be pulverised for agricultural use. We have several monographs in progress covering analytical procedures post-harvest treatment and process technology. Check the processing index for available web pages and monographs. 
Products, Uses & Applications
 Used as human food (e.g. in soups in a manner similar to Undaria [wakame]) and also used (usually in meal form) as an animal feed additive and a fertiliser/soil conditioner
List of species' uses and community affiliations
Genus GenID SpID Species Uses Communities
Alaria AL CRS crassifolia FH AI, SV
Alaria AL ESC esculenta FH AI, SV
Alaria AL FIT fitulosa FA, FH AI, SV
Alaria AL MAR marginata FH AI, SV

click to relevant uses or communities on the index/legend table below>>>
    to uses                                                    to communities  
Alaria is most strongly associated with the Biopolymers, Seavegetables, Agro-industry and Seaweed communities. As a source of alginates and of agricultural products it is not highly significant but it is achieving importance as an alternative to Undaria as a source of wakame-like human food products.
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