Cactus tree alga
Caulerpa cupressoides
(Vahl) C. Agardh, 1817

Description:
Trunk-like stalks that divide into thick, heavy, upright branches extend from sand covered runners. The length is variable, from 2-8 cm to 15-25 cm. Branches lined with long rows of short, thick, variously shaped branchlets. May be tall and slender with only a few branches, or short and bushy with numerous branches.
The plants are coenocytic, i.e., the plant is multinucleate and nonseptate.

Habitat:
Grow in shallow, protected sandy areas, often adjacent to back patch and fringing reefs.

Distribution:
South Florida, Bahamas and Caribbean.

Kingdom Protoctista
Phylum Chlorophyta
Genus Caulerpa
Species Caulerpa cupressoides

Status in World Register of Marine Species

Accepted name: Caulerpa cupressoides (Vahl) C. Agardh, 1817

Scientific synonyms and common names

Cactus tree alga [English]
Cypres-caulerpa [Dutch]
Caulerpe cactus [French]
Zypressealge [German]

Humann, P., 1993. Reef Coral Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas, (ed. N. Deloach). New World Publications, Inc., Paramount Miller Graphics, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida.

Voss, G.L., 1976. Seashore life of Florida and the Carribbean. Banyan Books, Inc. Miami, Florida.

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You can continue searching for Caulerpa cupressoides on one of these Web sites:

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