| Authority: J.V. Lamouroux |
Type species: Acetabularia acetabulum (Linnaeus) P.C. Silva |
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| Commercial species: major (MAJ) |
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| Common names: Mermaid's wine glass |
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| Classification: Eukaryota, Phylum Chlorophyta, Order Dasycladales, Family Polyphysaceae. |
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| AlgaeBase names and species: 24 names - 18 current as of 12-2001. |
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| DiveBorneo SeaPlant Utility Rating |
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Said to have minor use as food and as a treatment for gallstones. Also used as an aquarium plant. |
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Description
Many species of this interesting genus such as Acetabularia crenulata (upper left) are called "mermaid's wineglass" because of their distinctive shape. These plants are typically about 5 cm high with a "cup" about 1 cm in diameter. Plants may be partially calcified. Each "stem" and "cup" is actually a single large cell. |
Habitat
Generally found in shallow, sheltered waters attached to rocks and other shallow substrates in the vicinity of tropical coral reefs. |
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| click images & link to sources |
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Acetabularia production
click name to go to GIS |
Tons per annum
wild harvest |
Tons per annum
cultivated |
| Indonesia |
n/a |
0 |
| Philippines |
n/a |
0 |
| Total |
n/a |
n/a |
0 |
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Production
Production figures are being sought. |
Biology & Agronomy
In preparation. |
Chemistry
In preparation. |
Processing
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
Because of their distinctive and attractive appearance these plants are sometimes kept in aquaria. Traditionally these plants have also been used for the treatment of gallstones. |
| List of species' uses and community affiliations |
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| Genus |
GenID |
SpID |
Species |
Uses |
Communities |
| Acetabularia |
AC |
MAJ |
major |
MD |
WB |
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| click to relevant uses or communities on the index/legend table below>>> |
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 to uses to communities  |
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| Acetabularia is most strongly associated with the Wellbeing community. |
