Lessonia (alga)
| Lessonia | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Lessonia nigrescens | |
| Scientific classification | |
| (unranked): | SAR |
| Superphylum: | Heterokonta |
| Class: | Phaeophyceae |
| Order: | Laminariales |
| Family: | Lessoniaceae |
| Genus: |
Lessonia Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1825 |
| Species | |
|
See text |
|
See text
Lessonia is a genus of large kelp native to the southern Pacific Ocean. It is distributed along the coasts of South America, New Zealand, Tasmania, and the Antarctic islands.
This is one of two principal genera in kelp forests (the other is Macrocystis). In Chile, the preservation of Lessonia wild kelp is a crucial factor for the rocky shores. By harvesting these wild populations of Lessonia kelp, marine biologists are able to analyze the effects of kelp towards wildlife.
Some species are of economic importance, such as Lessonia nigrescens, which is harvested for alginate.
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