Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C.Agardh 1820

Publication Details
Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C.Agardh 1820: 47

Published in: Agardh, C.A. (1820 '1821'). Species algarum rite cognitae, cum synonymis, differentiis specificis et descriptionibus succinctis. Volumen primum. Pars prima. pp. [i-iv], [1]-168. Lundae [Lund]: ex officina Berlingiana.

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Publication date: probably Jan-April 1820

Type Species
This is the type species (holotype) of the genus Macrocystis.

Status of Name
This name is of an entity that is currently accepted taxonomically.

Basionym
Fucus pyriferus Linnaeus

Type Information
Type locality: "... in oceano Aethiopico" [South Atlantic Ocean]; (Linnaeus 1771: 311) Holotype: LINN; 1274.59? (Womersley 1987: 328) Notes: In LINN, 1274.59? (see Womersley (1954a: 111)).

Origin of Species Name
Adjective A (Latin), bearing pears (Brown 1946).

General Environment
This is a marine species.

Created: 24 March 1998 by M.D. Guiry.

Last updated: 27 July 2023

Verification of Data
Users are responsible for verifying the accuracy of information before use, as noted on the website Content page.

Distributional note
High-resolution world map of distribution of Macrocystis pyrifera (Mora-Soto & al. 2020) - (26 June 2020) - M.D. Guiry

Usage note
At the height of production 140,000 tonnes were harvested each year from the state-owned kelp beds off the southern California shores (Abbott & Hollenberg, 1976). Plants reach 45 meters long and grow in waters 6-20 (-80) m deep, and grow at up to 30 cm per day. In 2005, US alginate firm ISP shut down activities at its San Diego plant, shifting production to Girvan in Scotland. After 76 years in operation, the San Diego plant represented the USA's largest kelp harvesting facility, but operating costs eventually forced closure. Kelp continues to be mechanically harvested off the coast of southern California for feed for abalone aquaculture. - (11 May 2006) - G.M. Guiry

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Linking to this page: https://www.algaebase.org/search/species/detail/?species_id=4427

Citing AlgaeBase
Cite this record as:
M.D. Guiry in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 27 July 2023. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. https://www.algaebase.org; searched on 16 February 2025

 
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