Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia 
maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss

Ecklonia maxima
(Osbeck) Papenfuss

(detailed information)


Species Details

Class: Phaeophyceae
Genus: Ecklonia Hornemann
Species: Ecklonia maxima
Authority: (Osbeck) Papenfuss
Description:
This brown algae is one of the largest kelps of the  world. Commonly called "sea bamboo," Ecklonia maxima can grow up to 15 meters long, with the single large, robust stipe making up the majority of that length. This "stem" expands to form a gas-filled float at its apex that sits at the surface of the water, out of which emerges a tangle of leathery blades. There is a flat, solid primary blade from which secondary blades emerge.  These secondary blades can quite easily reach 3 meters in length.  Because of its hollow stipe and bulb, Ecklonia maxima stays buoyed up in the water column, its blades frequently breaking the surface of the ocean.  The holdfast is a strong network of haptera which attaches to rock or to the holdfast of another kelp.  Ecklonia maxima tends to dominate shallower temperate waters (up to 8 meters deep), which allows the float to rise and fall with wave action without causing stress to the plant.
 
 
 
   
Name History Adjective (Latin), largest.
Biogeography Ecklonia maxima is most common in warm temperate regions such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the northwestern Pacific. Found more rarely in the northeastern Atlantic, but may extend into tropical waters of western Australia and the Gulf of Iran.
Uses and compounds Animal aquaculture - animal feed (direct and additive). Direct use as food - food, consumed whole. Health, cosmetics, thalasotherapy, wellness & folk medicine - eye pads. Source of hydrocolloids - source of alginate. Source of inorganic chemicals and other compounds - source of potash. Terrestrial plant and animal production - fertiliser (with cytokinins). Aquaculture: Subtidal cultivation - suspended rafts
References Braune, W. (2008). Meeresalgen. Ein Farbbildführer zu den verbreiteten benthischen Grün- Braun- und Rotalgen der Weltmeere. pp. [1]-596, pls 1-266 (colour photographs). Ruggell: A.R.G. Gantner Verlag.


Habitat: Marine species
Common names: Sea bamboo
Type information: Basionym: Fucus maximus Osbeck Type locality: Cape of Good Hope, South Africa (Silva, Basson & Moe 1996: 639).
Specimens
( 3 record(s) available )
Type Number Species Date Coastal Station

(O)

4185 Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss 2012-11-11 Three Anchor Bay, Cape, South Africa

(O)

4186 Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss 2012-11-10 Kalk Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

(O)

4187 Ecklonia maxima (Osbeck) Papenfuss 2012-11-09 Fish Hoek bay, South Africa


Bibliography

( 5 link(s) available )
   Seasonal variation in the polyamines of Ecklonia maxima
   The use of seaweed-based products from Ecklonia maxima and Ascophylum nodosum as control agents for Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. hapla on tomato plants. (Master Thesis)
   Morphology of Ecklonia maxima as a function of location in Betty’s Bay, South Africa
   Abalone
   Polyamines in Ecklonia maxima and their effects on plant growth (Master Thesis)
( 1 document(s) available )

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1858 specimens in MACOI collections
2293 bibliographic references
2817 occurrence records
6140 images