Factsheets for Red Seaweeds (phylum Rhodophyta)

Genus: Acanthophora Trade name: acanthophora Symbol: AC
Authority: J.V. Lamouroux Type species: Acanthophora spicifera (M. Vahl) Børgesen
Commercial species: spicifera (SPI)
Common names: soft spineweed
Classification: Eukaryota, Phylum Rhodophyta, Class Rhodophyceae, Subclass Florideophycidae, Order Ceramiales, Family Rhodomelaceae.
AlgaeBase names and species:  16 names - 6 current as of 12-2001.
Comprehensive lists of common names , generic & specific names can be found at AlgaeBase. >>Click here<<  for DiveBorneo's policy on names.
DiveBorneo SeaPlant Utility Rating
Reputed to have minor use as food
Reputed to contain useful galactans
 Rated as "alien & invasive" in Hawaii
Description
A small, coarse, turgid plant with many short, spiny branches. The colour is usually yellowish brown. 
Habitat
Grows in the vicinity of corals. Tends to be abundant on reef flats during the tropical dry season.

Acanthophora Production
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Tons per annum
wild harvest
Tons per annum
cultivated
Philippines n/a n/a
Vietnam n/a n/a
Total 

n/a

n/a n/a
Production
Production figures from recent years are being sought.
Biology & Agronomy
Acanthophora is not known to be cultivated and has established itself as an "alien and invasive alga" in Hawaii; possibly beginning in the 1950s after being introduced as a fouling organism on ships.
Chemistry
A source of galactans that have no known current commercial use.
Processing
None known. 
Products, Uses & Applications
Acanthophora is fairly common and evident in many of tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans and is reputedly eaten as a fresh vegetable in the same manner as with Kappaphycus in some countries including the Philippines and Vietnam.
List of species' uses and community affiliations
Genus GenID SpID Species Uses Communities
Acanthophora AC SPI spicifera FH, FI BP, SV

click to relevant uses or communities on the index/legend table below>>>

    to uses                                                    to communities  
Acanthophora is most strongly associated with the  Biopolymer and   Seavegetables communities.
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