Common name: -

Scientific name: Asparagopsis taxiformis Trevisan de Saint-Léon

Family: Bonnemaisoniaceae

Distribution and Habitat: It is present in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and in the Mediterranean Sea. It occurs predominantly in the coast, few meters deep.

Description: This alga has an upright thallus, a pyramidal morphology and a pale pink colouration. At its apex it has pyramid shaped extensions with branches arranged in spirals.

Conservation statute and Threats: -

Observations: More than 100 organic compounds have been isolated from this alga. Due to its mutating activities, these compounds are being investigated in terms of carcinogenic effects.