Lauhiekoelo was a name born from the discussion surrounding the environment the limu (seaweed) was found in and how it is similar and different to the genus that exists in Hawaiʻi’s coastal ecosystems. Found in the mesophotic environment where the current is slow-moving, the color and shape of this limu immediately draws your attention. “Lau” means “numerous,” and “to spread out like a leaf,” referring to the distinct branching web at the tips of the alga. “Hie” means “attractive or distinguished” and “koelo” alludes to the elegant flowing train of a Hawaiian ball gown. On the deep ocean floor, one can imagine the blades of this algae fluttering gracefully in the slow current and its overall color and shape distinguishing it from the rest of the algae growing around it.
