Limu, otherwise known asrimu,remu orʻimu (fromProto-Austronesian *limut)[1] is a generalPolynesian term for edible plants living near or underwater, such asalgae.[2][3] In Hawaii, there are approximately one hundred names for kinds of limu, sixty of which can be matched with scientific names.[4] Hundreds of species of marine algae were once found in Hawaii.[5] Many limu are edible, and used in the cuisine throughout most ofPolynesia.
Several species of limu are used as food throughout Polynesia and is typically eaten raw as accompaniment to meals, usually fish.
In Hawaii, limu was seen as a major component of theHawaiian diet alongside fish andpoi.[6] Hawaiians cultivated several varieties of seaweed for food as well as to feed fishfarmed within fish ponds. As many as 75 types of limu were used for food, more than the 35 used inJapanese cuisine, which is also well known for its use of seaweed.[5] In modern times, limu is often used as a condiment, typically in raw fish dishes such aspoke.[7]
Limu was used inhoʻoponopono, the ancient Hawaiian process of conflict resolution. Injured and accused parties gathered to pray, seek forgiveness and eatlimu kala leaves as a symbol of reconciliation.[7][8] It is also used in traditionalhula attire[9] and as medicine.[10]
Due to the shape of its foliage, the Maori also applied the namerimu to the native treeDacrydium cupressinum.[2]
Originally, Karengo was used to describe seaweed belonging to the Porphyra genus. Recent genomic analysis however has Karengo cover more than 30 species belonging to genus Porphyra, Pyropia, Clymene and Lysithea.
Limu has become increasingly difficult to find because of over-picking, pollution, and urban development,[22] especially construction inwatersheds. Many important kinds oflimu grow best inbrackish water where fresh water empties into the sea. Another threat tolimu is the spread of marine alieninvasive species, such as members of the genusKappaphycus (smothering seaweed),Gracilaria salicornia (gorilla ogo),Avrainvillea amadelpha (leather mudweed),Hypnea musciformis (hook weed) andAcanthophora spicifera (prickly seaweed).[23]
^Blust, Robert; Trussel, Stephen (2010)."*limut: moss, algae".Austronesian Comparative Dictionary. Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Retrieved7 December 2022.
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