Codium edule
Species of alga
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Codium edule is a green alga common on shallow reef flats from the intertidal to the subtidal in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific.[1][2][3] The species is common in Hawaiʻi where it is usually called wāwaeʻiole (meaning "ratʻs foot") and considered an edible alga or limu.[3] Prominent ethnobotanist Isabella Abbott described its usage in her writing.[2][3]
| Codium edule | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Chlorophyta |
| Class: | Ulvophyceae |
| Order: | Bryopsidales |
| Family: | Codiaceae |
| Genus: | Codium |
| Species: | C. edule |
| Binomial name | |
| Codium edule P.C.Silva, 1952 | |
Description
Codium edule is a fleshy, dark green seaweed, with a soft, spongy texture. Its repeatedly forked branches lie flat and attach to surfaces, forming mats that incorporate coral rubble, rocks, and shells. [4] The fronds of C. edule are split in two or three ways, are round, and get thinner at the ends. The branches are 3-5 mm wide and are held together or to the substratum by small, cushion-like holdfasts.[5]
Distribution and habitat
Codium edule is found in the Indo-Pacific region. It grows in many places from Hawaii to the Federated States of Micronesia to Papua New Guinea, and as far west as Indonesia.[6] In the Hawaiian Islands, the type location is Waikiki.[2] It grows in intertidal zones and tide pools found at 6 to 10 ft deep, and likes attaching itself to coral rubble and broken shells. As a result, this forms clumps of dark green soft branches that are split into smaller parts.[7]
Human Use and cultural significance
Codium edule serves various purposes, including human food, medicinal applications, animal feed, fish meal, and fertilizer.[8] Although it can be kept in the fridge for an extended period, it tastes best when consumed within 10 days of foraging. It can be enjoyed as a side dish with fish, seafood, or stew, or mixed with other types of seaweed.[9] The limu needs first to be washed carefully as grains of sand, pieces of shells and other debris get caught in the mats.[3]
