Bugula neritina the life cycle of a marine bryozoan
Bugula is a genus of common colonial arborescent bryozoa, often mistaken for seaweed. It commonly grows upright in bushy colonies of up to 15 cm in height.
The native distribution of Bugula neritina is presumed to be tropical and subtropical waters; however it has become widespread globally due to attachment to the hulls of vessels. It is considered an invasive species in some countries.
Bugula neritina
Bugula neritina attracted interest as a source of cytotoxic chemicals, bryostatins, under clinical investigation as anti-cancer agents. In 2001 pharmaceutical company GPC Biotech licensed Bryostatin 1 from Arizona State University for commercial development as a treatment for cancer. GPC Biotech canceled development in 2003, saying that Bryostatin 1 showed little effectiveness and some toxic side-effects.
Other uses
Dried Bugula are commonly used as decorations:
"Air fern", the so-called everlasting plant that supposedly absorbs from air all the moisture it needs to live, is commonly dried colonies of the bryozoan Bugula that have been artificially coloured.
However, it should be noted that Sertularia argentea are also sold as "air ferns."
Species
Species brought into synonymy
Bugula angustiloba (Lamarck, 1816): synonym of Bugulina angustiloba (Lamarck, 1816)
Bugula aperta (Hincks, 1886): synonym of Crisularia aperta (Hincks, 1886)
Bugula aquilirostris Ryland, 1960: synonym of Bugulina aquilirostris (Ryland, 1960)
Bugula avicularia (Linnaeus, 1758): synonym of Bugulina avicularia (Linnaeus, 1758)
