Carrageenan each plant weighs approximately 1 kg. The "E. cottonii" variety has been reclassified as "Kappaphycus cottonii" by Maxwell Doty (1988), thereby introducing the genus "Kappaphycus", on the basis of the phycocolloids produced (namely kappa carrageenan). After harvest, the seaweed is dried, baled, and sent to the carrageenan manufacturer. There the seaweed is ground, sifted to remove impurities such as sand, and washed thoroughly. After treatment with hot alkali solution (e.g., 5–8% potassium hydroxide), the cellulose is removed from the carrageenan by centrifugation and filtration. The resulting carrageenan solution is then concentrated by evaporation. It is dried and ground to specification.
Purple-crested turaco Purple-crested turaco The purple-crested turaco ("Gallirex porphyreolophus") is a species of bird in the Musophagidae family. It is the National Bird of the Kingdom of Swaziland, and the crimson flight feathers of this and related turaco species are important in the ceremonial regalia of the Swazi royal family. This bird has a purple coloured crest above a green head, a red ring around their eyes, and a black bill. The neck and chest are green and brown. The rest of the body is purple, with red flight feathers. They live in moist woodland and evergreen forests. They eat mainly fruit.