Division Rhodophyta Order Bonnemaisoniales Rank Species | Class Florideophyceae Family Bonnemaisoniaceae | |
 | ||
Similar Asparagopsis, Asparagopsis armata, Bonnemaisoniales, Bonnemaisoniaceae, Galaxaura | ||
Asparagopsis taxiformis, limu kohu formerly A. sanfordiana, is a species of red algae, with cosmopolitan distribution in tropical to warm temperate waters.
Contents
Lifecycle
Like many red algae, A. taxiformis has a haplodiplophasic lifecycle, each phase being morphologically distinct. Indeed the species haploid haploid stage was initially described as Falkenbergia hillebrandii (Bornet) Falkenberg 1901 because it was thought to be a separate species.
Culinary uses
Asparagopsis is one of the most popular types of limu. in the cuisine of Hawaii, principally as a condiment. It is known as Limu kohu in the Hawaiian language meaning "pleasing seaweed". Limu kohu is a traditional ingredient in poke.
The essential oil of limu kohu is 80% bromoform (tri-bromo-methane). by weight, and includes many other bromine- and iodine-containing organic compounds.
Methane reduction in cattle
Researchers in 2016 released a study showing that when added to a cow's diet, Asparagopsis taxiformis could reduce methane production by 50%-70%.
