Sargassum that also can mean all seaweed species washed up on shore. "Sargassum" species are found throughout tropical areas of the world and are often the most obvious macrophyte in near-shore areas where "Sargassum" beds often occur near coral reefs. The plants grow subtidally and attach to coral, rocks, or shells in moderately exposed or sheltered rocky or pebble areas. These tropical populations often undergo seasonal cycles of growth and decay in concert with seasonal changes in sea temperature. In tropical "Sargassum" species that are often preferentially consumed by herbivorous fishes and echinoids, a relatively low level of phenolics and tannins
Sargassum to cover the entirety of the Sargasso Sea, making navigation impossible, it has since been found to occur only in drifts. "Sargassum" species ares also cultivated and cleaned for use as an herbal remedy. Many Chinese herbalists prescribe powdered "Sargassum"—either the species "S. pallidum", or more rarely, hijiki, "S. fusiforme"—in doses of 0.5 gram dissolved in warm water and drunk as a tea. It is called in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used to resolve "heat phlegm". Species of this genus of algae may grow to a length of several metres. They are generally brown or dark green in