A red algae, Iodine weed
Asparagopsis taxiformis

Family: Bonnemaisoniaceae

What it is like

A seaweed. It is a red algae. It has creeping stems. These have soft pale pink feather like fronds. It grows 10-20 cm high.

It is rich in iodine. It can reduce methane production 50%-70% by cows when added to their diet.

Where it is found

It grows in tropical places. It grows below the tidal zone on sheltered shores.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canary Islands, Central America, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Europe, Fiji, France, FSM, Ghana, Guam, Guinea, Guinée, Hawaii, Hispaniola, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Madagascar, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, New Caledonia, Nigeria, North Africa, North America, Oman, Pacific, Panama, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Samoa, SE Asia, Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Venezuela, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Yemen

How it is used for food

Plants are soaked for several hours in fresh water, then drained, pounded and salted. It is then rolled into small balls. It is eaten as a relish with meat. It is eaten as a salad or as a vegetable with fish and soybean sauce.

It is a minor food. It is a popular edible algae in Hawaii.

Edible parts

Algae, frond, seaweed, vegetable

How it is grown

The upright pieces should be pinched off allowing the base to re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Limu kohu

Synonyms

Asparagopsis sanfordiana Harv.; and others