| Durvillaea antarctica | |
|---|---|
| Durvillaea antarctica stipes on Second Bay, Otago, New Zealand | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Chromalveolata |
| Phylum: | Heterokontophyta |
| Class: | Phaeophyceae |
| Order: | Fucales |
| Family: | Durvillaeaceae |
| Genus: | Durvillaea |
| Species: | antarctica |
| Binomial name | |
| Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot |
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Durvillaea antarctica or Cochayuyo is a large, robust bull kelp species and the dominant seaweed in southern New Zealand and Chile. D. antarctica has a circumpolar distribution between the latitudes of 29°S (in Chile) and 55°S (on Macquarie Island).[1] It is found on exposed shores, especially in the northern parts of its range, and attaches itself with a strong holdfast. D. antarctica, an alga, does not have air bladders, but floats due to a unique honeycomb structure within the alga's blades, which also helps the kelp avoid being damaged by the strong waves.
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The blades of Durvillaea antarctica are green to golden brown with a leathery texture. The species is characterised by the honeycomb structure of the blade, which gives it strength and buoyancy, and is unique among seaweeds.[2] This novel structure is thought to be responsible for the wide distribution of this genus, as the kelp is able to float when its holdfast fails. It may be able to colonise other coastlines in this manner.[3]
The holdfast of D. antarctica is large and is very difficult to remove. D. antarctica has to resist forces equivalent to 1100 km/h on land.[3] The holdfast failing is usually the result of worms and molluscs which feed on the tissue because of the sheltered habitat it creates.[4] It is also common for its host rock to be broken off without the holdfast losing its grip, with this contributing significantly to erosion in some areas.[1] Recruitment rates of this species is very low, therefore the ecological impact of harvesting this species is too great.[4]
Durvillaea antarctica reproduces sexually by producing egg and sperm that are released into the water. Eggs and sperm are produced on specific sites of the frond. A large individual can produce 100 million eggs in twelve hours (Bradstock, 1989). The season when reproduction occurs varies with location.
In Chilean Cuisine, the Durvillaea antarctica (Quechua: cochayuyo : Cocha: sea, and yuyo: weed) stem and holdfast, known as hulpe is used for different recipes, like salads and stews.
The expression remojar el cochayuyo (lit. to soak the cochayuyo) is used in Chilean Spanish to refer to the sexual act.[5] The expression derives from the fact that this algae, that is harvested along Chile's coast, is preserved by being sun-dried and to prepare it then in a dish it needs to be softened up by being soaked in water.
The species was first described in 1822,[6] as Fucus antarcticus, and revised in 1892 as Durvillaea antarctica.[7] The Latin derived epithet refers to antarctic.[8]