Varietes of the Kappaphycus



1. Tambalang Type



Long strands; typically fewer branches than flower; small to large diameter branches; generally thriving in deep water in northern areas of Philippines but seldom seen in the Southern Philippines as “flower” now predominates there. Tambalang predominates in much of Indonesia, India, Sabah, Malaysia and Tanzania.



2. Sacol Type



Clumps of short multiple branches, with small diameter stems. Often found over sandy or muddy substrate such as that found near its source area of Sacol Island, Zamboanga, Philippines. Commonly grown in Bali, Indonesia. Sold as salad vegetable in Cebu markets but recently being replaced by farmers with the “Bisaya” type.



3. Flower Type



Clumps of short multiple branches with small diameter stems similar to Sacol type and resembling a “flower”. Found in shallow reef areas of the Philippines. Dominant strain in the Bongao / Sitangkai areas of the Philippines since 2000. Also seems to be appearing in Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara Timur in Indonesia. Subgroups include the larger “vanguard” type and the smaller “goma” (rubber) type which tends to have a rubbery texture and appearance.



4. Bisaya Type



Looks like a cross between tambalang and sacol types. Predominant form in the Bohol region of the Philippines.



5. Sumba Type



Long, thick strands. Rather like a coarse, robust form of the tambalang type. Originated in Sumba Island, Indonesia but now grown at several sites in Indonesia. Favoured by some farmers in Bali.



6. Others Type
Known by various name from region to region. These include apparent variants of the Tambalang type that include the long, thick “kapilaran” type and a second type called “vanguard”. Smaller types include the “adik” (addict) type which may be a variant of “flower”.