Page 42 - Invasive_Species_2013

Mediterranean invasive species factsheet

ALGAE

Reproduction Common name: Grape alga

identification Vesicolar ramuli

Scientific Name:
Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea
Picture Stolon

Key identifying features
Brief history Rhyzomes
Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea is a green alga
with erect fronds up to 11 cm (exceptionally 19 cm) in
length that bears rounded, vesicular branchlets (also
called ‘ramuli’). Its fronds are slightly inflated above
their attachment to the stolon, which is fixed to the
substrate by thin rhizoids

Field identification signs and habitat

This alga occurs in different morphologies and sizes,
especially frond length, depending on the region,
depth and season. It can be found from the intertidal
zone to depths of more than 60 m.

Caulerpa racemosa. Photo: K. Ellenbogen - OCEANA

Reproduction
Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea is able to
Caulerpa racemosa. Photo: B. Weitzmann
reproduce sexually and vegetatively. In sexual
reproduction, the whole plant forms gametes, which
are released simultaneously, resulting in the death of
the parent plant.

Vegetative reproduction may occur in three ways, by
growth, fragmentation or formation of propagules
(ramuli dispersion). Fragmentation may occur in any
part of the alga as a consequence of anthropogenic
or natural causes, such as currents or grazing by
animals. The plant is capable of rapid propagation
Caulerpa racemosa. Photo: E. Ballesteros from fragments.

Monitoring Marine Invasive Species in Mediterranean MPAs: A strategy and practical guide for managers 39