Ceylon moss
Hydropuntia edulis

Family: Gracilariaceae

What it is like

A seaweed. It has irregular branches and forms clumps. They can be 20 cm long. The branches are cylinder shaped or slightly flattened. They can be pink to purple.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows on rocky shores. It grows just below the tidal zone and is on sheltered or slightly exposed shores.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, China, East Africa, Eritrea, FSM, Guam, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Korea, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Micronesia, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, SE Asia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tanzania, USA

How it is used for food

This algae is used for making porridge and for preparing a drink called Kanji. The agar is extracted and used for jellies. It can be boiled for about 5 minutes and used as a vegetable with a meat dish. It is used in soups and jelly and also pickled.

Edible parts

Algae, seaweed

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Agar-agar, Atjar, Chan, Chow-parsi, Conji-parsi, Jaffna moss, Kadala-passi, Limu manauea

Synonyms

Gracilaria edulis Polycavernosa fastigiata Xia & Abbott; Sphaerococcus lichenoides Ag.;