limu kala

Kauaʻi evidence

UH lists Kauaʻi. Check present accepted combination; UH field guide may use historical name.

Names and classification

Scientific name

Sargassum polyphyllum

Hawaiian names

limu kala

Record type

Species

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Kauaʻi occurrence

Documented or reported from Kauaʻi in cited source

Origin

Not adjudicated

Conservation status

Not assessed

Evidence date

2026-09-28

Evidence limits

Check present accepted combination; UH field guide may use historical name.

Habitat and ecology

Habitats

marine nearshore

Food and resource needs

Light, water, and nutrients for photosynthetic taxa; precise requirements not assessed

Reproduction

Not assessed for Kauaʻi population

Shelter

Not assessed

Growth form

brown

Threats and conservation

Monitoring

Verify voucher, current occurrence, and taxonomic name before stronger local claims

Data gaps

Add distinct canonical record after synonym and status check

Process and seasonal context

Seasonal timing

Not assessed

Seasonal description

Sargassum polyphyllum is reported from Kauaʻi in the cited source. UH lists Kauaʻi. The name and local occurrence remain source-bounded while taxonomic review continues.

Sources and further reading

• https://www.hawaii.edu/reefalgae/invasive_algae/phaeo/sargassum_polyphyllum.htm