Lessonia (alga)
Lessonia is a genus of large kelp native to the southern Pacific Ocean. It is restricted to the southern hemisphere and is distributed along the coasts of South America, New Zealand, Tasmania, and the Antarctic islands. The genus was first described by Jean Baptiste Bory de Saint-Vincent in 1825. This is one of two principal genera in kelp forests (the other is "Macrocystis"). In Chile, the preservation of "Lessonia" kelp is an important to help preserve the biodiversity that exists on rocky shores. By studying the harvesting of these wild populations of "Lessonia" kelp marine biologists are  able to analyze the effects of this activity on wildlife. In New Zealand there are at least four species that belong to this genus. "L. tholiformis" is only found on the Chatham Islands. "L. adamsiae" is only found on the Snares Islands. Some species are of economic importance, such as "Lessonia nigrescens", which is harvested for alginate.