Kappaphycus striatus (F.Schmitz) Doty
Eucheuma striatum F.Schmitz
"kab-kab" seaweed (price depend on season & quantity)
(dried)
price : USD 2.00 - USD 2.50 per kg (FOB Malaysia)
min. order : 50kg
capacity : +-10 ton per month

(processed, unsalted, salt removed)
price : USD 2.30 - USD 2.80 per kg (FOB Malaysia)
min. order : 50kg
capacity : +-10 ton per month

(processed, natural whitening)
price : USD 2.20 - USD 2.70 per kg (FOB Malaysia)
min. order : 50kg
capacity : +-10 ton per month

*fresh seaweed available on request.

INFORMATION/FACT
KAPPAPHYCUS STRIATUM (Schmitz) Doty (Kab-Kab)
This species is represented by two forms, the first is known as the "elk-horn type" and is characterized by thallus which is generally erect and laxly branched. Branching is irregular, alternate to second, the branches forming acute angles, terete attenuated to acute or spinose tips which vary in length from 1-17 mm and 1-2 mm thick near the base. The second type generally known as "sacul type" is characterized by a decumbent and densely clumpy habit. Branching is basically dichotomous and divaricate, the branches forming wide angles. The branches of this form are smooth. Cross section of the branch shows the central medulla consisting of small thick walled cells interspersed among large thick walled parenchymatous cells. The outer cortex consists of small pigmented cells. Thallus erect or decumbent; the axis not percurrent; branches roughened by the presence of spinose processes or determinate branch lets. Two forms: the “elk-horn type” is erect and irregularly branched, the branch axil acute and very variable in morphology; the second form generally produces a thick, dense decumbent clump with typical dichotomous branching, the branches are roughened by short processes. Both forms are characterized by the presence of axial hyphae in the branches which are not more than 5 mm diameter. One of the relatively common and fast growing Kappaphycus species. Grows just below the 0 tide line to the upper sub tidal portion of the reef areas on sandy-corally to rocky substrates where water movement is slow to moderate. Has also been reported near mangrove areas.

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
NATURAL PRODUCTS: Minerals: Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na; Phytohormones: auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin; Pigments: carotene, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll d, lutein, r-phycocyanin, r-phycoerythrin, zeaxanthin; Polysaccharides/simple sugars: iota-and kappa-carrageenan, floridean starch, funoran, furcellarin, galactan.
APPLICATIONS: Animal feed: fish bait, food source of the green turtle, pet food; Controls heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Sr,) pollutions; Fertilizer: foliar fertilizer; Human food; babies' food, ice creams; Industrial products and processes: air freshener, binder in cosmetic products, culture medium for horticulture laboratory, medicine capsules, ingredients and paint mixture, soil conditioner; Insect repellant; Medicine.