Ecklonia Maxima, a well-known species of seaweed native to the South African coast, has been attracting increasing attention in various fields. This large brown seaweed thrives in the unique marine environment along the Atlantic coast of South Africa, playing a significant role in both the ocean ecosystem and human applications.
Ecklonia Maxima is truly gigantic, with its length ranging from 70 to 80 meters up to 200 or 300 meters. The seaweed has a brownish color and long, ribbon-like blades, which are usually several tens of centimeters wide. These blades possess a certain toughness, enabling them to withstand the force of seawater currents and physical pressures.
It consists of a holdfast, a stipe, and blades. The holdfast, similar to roots, firmly attaches the seaweed to the rocky seabed, ensuring its stability in the turbulent ocean waters. The stipe connects the holdfast and the blades, serving as a support and a pathway for nutrient transport. The blades, being the primary site for photosynthesis, have numerous minute structures on their surfaces to increase the contact area with seawater, thus facilitating the absorption of sunlight and nutrients more effectively.
What Environment Created Ecklonia Maxima?
Ecklonia Maxima is found in specific areas along the Atlantic coast of South Africa, stretching from near the Namibian border to the Cape Town region. The seawater temperature in this area is relatively low, typically around 10 – 15℃, due to the influence of the Benguela Current. The Benguela Current brings abundant nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, providing sufficient nourishment for the growth of Ecklonia Maxima.
The area experiences strong tidal action, and the ebb and flow of the tide bring a continuous supply of fresh nutrients to the seaweed. Adequate sunlight is also ensured. Ecklonia Maxima usually grows at a water depth of 10 – 30 meters, where the seawater is clear and of high quality, with suitable salinity and pH levels, favorable for photosynthesis and the absorption of various minerals.
