page_title: Monostroma
section_title: Classification
hierarchical_section_title: Monostroma / Classification
caption_attribution_description: English: Currently accepted taxonomy of Monostromatic Green Algae
context_page_description: Monostroma is a genus of marine green algae in the family Monostromataceae. As the name suggests, algae of this genus are monostromatic. Monostroma kuroshiense, an algae of this genus, is commercially cultivated in East Asia and South America for the edible product "hitoegusa-nori" or "hirohano-hitoegusa nori", popular sushi wraps. Monostroma oligosaccharides with degree of polymerization 6 prepared by agarase digestion from Monostroma nitidum polysaccharides have been shown to be an effective prophylactic agent during in vitro and in vivo tests against Japanese encephalitis viral infection. The sulfated oligosaccharides from Monostroma seem to be promising candidates for further development as antiviral agents. The genus Monostroma is the most widely cultivated genus among green seaweeds.
context_section_description: Species-level classification within this genus is quite problematic and no consensus exists among algal taxonomists. This genus is oftentimes referred as "Gayralia", however Gayralia and Monostroma are congeneric. A number of monostromatic algal species have been removed from this genus, including Kornmannia, Ulvopsis and Capsosiphon. Currently accepted working-classification of monostromatic green algae is provided as a figure. A taxonomic field-identification dichotomous key for this genus is available
caption: Currently accepted taxonomy of Monostromatic Green Algae
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