Monkey feathers
Hydroclathrus clathratus

Family: Scytosiphonaceae

What it is like

A seaweed. It has a netlike structure. The meshes of the net vary in size. Plants can be 50 cm across in quiet water. It can form small firm cushions on exposed shores.

There are 4 Hydroclathrus species. It is rich in calcium, iron and iodine. It also contains folic acid and other chemicals good for our health.

Where it is found

It grows in lower tidal zones on sheltered shores. It is mainly in tropical and warm temperate regions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Cameroon, Canary Islands, Cape Verde Islands, Caribbean, Central Africa, Central America, China, Cuba, East Africa, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Europe, Fiji, France, FSM, French Polynesia, Gabon, Greece, Guam, Hawaii, Indochina, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mexico, Micronesia, Morocco, Mozambique, New Caledonia, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Portugal, Samoa, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South America, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tahiti, Taiwan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies

How it is used for food

It is used in salads. It can be covered in batter and made into fritters.

It is a commercially important seaweed in Bangladesh.

Edible parts

Algae, frond, seaweed

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Balbalulang, Colet

Synonyms

Encoelium clathratum C. Agardh;