Furcellaria

Furcellaria
Furcellaria lumbricalis syn. fastigiata
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
(unranked):	Archaeplastida
Phylum:	Rhodophyta
Class:	Florideophyceae
Order:	Gigartinales
Family:	Furcellariaceae
Genus:	Furcellaria J.V.Lamouroux

Furcellaria is a genus of red algae which has commercial importance as a raw material for carrageenan production. It is mainly harvested from the waters of Denmark and Canada.

The most important species, Furcellaria lumbricalis, grows on submerged rocks to a depth of about 12 metres (40 ft), but it can also grow in large floating mats, which are easier to harvest.

F. lumbricalis is also an important habitat-forming seaweed, forming underwater "belts" often just below those of bladderwrack. These belts provide spawning habitat for many fish species, and for this reason some governments place regulations on the harvesting of this seaweed.

References

• "Furcellaria lumbricalis". Seaweed Industry Association. Retrieved 2014-12-01.