Agarophyte

An agarophyte is a seaweed, usually a red alga, that produces the hydrocolloid agar in its cell walls.¹ This agar can be harvested commercially for use in biological experiments and culturing. In some countries (especially in the developing world), the harvesting of agarophytes, either as natural stocks or a cultivated crop, is of considerable economic importance. Notable genera of commercially exploited agarophytes include Gracilaria and Gelidium (such as Gelidium amansii and Gelidium corneum).²