Spirulina Powder

The A. maxima and A. plaetensis species were once classified in the genus Spirulina. The common name, spirulina, refers to the dried biomass of A. platensis, which belongs to photosynthetic bacteria that cover the groups Cyanobacteria and Prochlorophyta. Scientifically, a distinction exists between spirulina and the Arthrospira genus. Species of Arthrospira have been isolated from alkaline brackish and saline waters in tropical and subtropical regions. Among the various species included in the genus Arthrospira, A. platensisis the most widely distributed and is mainly found in Africa, but also in Asia. A. maxima are believed to be found in California and Mexico. The term Spirulina remains in use for historical reasons