Caulerpa lentillifera J. Agardh
Small seagrape
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Family:  Caulerpaceae ()
Max. size: 
Environment:  sessile; marine; depth range 1 - 59 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: from Saudi Arabia to South Africa, including the Red Sea and Madagascar, east to Pakistan and south to Dampier, Western Australia, including Maldives; Pacific Ocean: from Japan to the South China Sea, south to Queensland, Australia, including Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall, and Solomon Islands, east to the Hawaiian Islands.
Diagnosis:  Thallus consists of a horizontal branched stolon and erect branches, the latter densely covered by many short ramuli; along almost the entire length of their axes. Each ramulus consisting of a short stalk and a globose tip, 1 to 3 mm in diameter; the distinct constriction between the tip of the stalk and the base of the globose tip is a characteristic of this species. Erect branches up to 15 cm in height (Ref. 80758).
Biology:  Highly favoured for human consumption due to its soft and succulent texture; has a high mineral content (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn); also used as medicine: antifungal, lowers blood pressure (Ref. 80758).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 

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