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green seaweeds text index | photo
index
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| Seaweeds > Division Chlorophyta > Family Caulerpaceae > genus Caulerpa |
| Round
sea grapes Caulerpa lentillifera* Family Caulerpaceae updated May 09 Where seen? This pretty seaweed is made up of tiny balls. It grows on coral rubble and other hard surfaces. Features: The seaweed resembles bunches of little grapes. Each 'grape' is a tiny spherical bead, and these are tightly packed on a vertical 'stem' to form a sausage-like shape (2-8cm long). The 'grape' has a distinct constriction where it attaches to the 'stem'. These bunches of 'grapes' emerge from a long horizontal 'stem' that creeps over the surface. It grows on coral rubble or on rocks. Colours range from bright green to bluish and olive green. Sometimes confused with Oval sea grapes (Caulerpa racemosa). Here's more on how to tell apart the sea grapes seaweeds. Human uses: Round sea grapes are a popular edible species in some places. In the Philippines, the seaweed is eaten fresh as a salad, or salted so it can be eaten later. Small quantities are also exported to Japan. It is also eaten in Malaysia and Indonesia. The seaweed is high in minerals and is said to taste refreshing. It is also reported to have antibacterial and antifungal properties, and to be used to treat high blood pressure and rheumatism. However, some Caulerpa species produce toxins to protect themselves from browsing fish. This also makes them toxic to humans. This seaweed is commercially farmed in Cebu, Philippines. Cuttings are planted by hand in muddy mangrove ponds and harvested about two months later. The seaweed is also fed to livestock and fish. |
 Labrador, May 09  Labrador, Jun 05 |
 Pulau Semakau, May 08 |
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 Beting Bemban Besar, Apr 10 |
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Round sea grapes on Singapore shores
 Labrador, Apr 05  |
 Labrador, May 09  |
 Sisters Islands, Jul 04  |
*Species are difficult to positively identify without close examination of internal parts.
On this website, they are grouped by external features for convenience of display.
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Links
References
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University of Western Australia Press. 300pp.|
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