Factsheets for Brown Seaweeds (phylum Phaeophyta)

Genus: Desmarestia Trade name: desmarestia Symbol: DE

 
Authority: J.V. Lamouroux Type species: Desmarestia aculeata (Linnaeus) J.V. Lamouroux 
Commercial species: spp.
Common names: Gruagach, Landlady's wig, Mermaid's hair, Oseille de mer, Sea sorrel, Stacheltang, Urushi-gusa 
Classification: Eukaryota, Phylum Heterokontophyta, Order Desmarestiales, Family Desmarestiaceae. 
AlgaeBase names and species:  45 names - 20 current as of 12-2001.
Comprehensive lists of common names , generic & specific names can be found at AlgaeBase. >>Click here<<  for SuriaLink's policy on names.
SuriaLink SeaPlant Utility Rating
Some species said to have minor use as food.
Some species release sulphuric acid and should not be mixed with other crops if digestion of the harvest is to be avoided.
May overgrow kelp beds in the process of regenerating.
Description
 The morphology of Desmarestia varies somewhat with the season. Many species have a coarse hair-like texture. A few have wide fronds that are split. Some forms are covered with many short delicate hairs. Colour is usually medium-dark brown. Plants can be up to 50 cm. long or more. Beware when you collect this species. Cells of some Desmarestia contain sulphate ions that produce sulphuric acid when disrupted.
Habitat
Generally found attached to rocks or other solid substrate. Often occurs in "kelp forests".

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Desmarestia production
click country to go to GIS		 Tons per annum
wild harvest		 Tons per annum
cultivated
USA n/a 0
Total 

n/a

 n/a 0
Production
 Production figures are being sought. Thought to be of minor commercial importance.
Biology & Agronomy
In preparation.
Chemistry
 Cells of some Desmarestia contain sulphate ions that produce sulphuric acid when disrupted.
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
 Unconfirmed use as seavegetable.
List of species' uses and community affiliations
Genus GenID SpID Species Uses Communities
Desmarestia DE SPP spp. FH SV

click to relevant uses or communities on the index/legend table below>>>
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Desmarestia is most strongly associated with the  Seavegetables community.
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