The tree sponge (Echinoclathria dichotoma) is a species of demosponge.Samaai, T. and Gibbons, M.J. 2005. Demospongiae taxonomy and biodiversity of the Benguela region on the west coast of South Africa. Afr. Nat. Hist. 1(1):1-96 It is known from the west coast of South Africa to Cape Agulhas. It is endemic to this region.
Description The tree sponge may grow to in height. It is a bright red to dirty orange sponge which grows upright and branches like a tree. The surface texture is smooth and the branch tips are rounded. Its oscula are small (< and inconspicuous. The surface may be covered in a slimy mucus.
Distribution and habitat This sponge is found on the south and west coasts of South Africa where it lives on rocky reefs subtidally to .Jones, Georgina. A field guide to the marine animals of the Cape Peninsula. SURG, Cape Town, 2008.
Ecology This sponge is often colonised by a white zoanthid, Parazoanthus sp.Branch, G.M., Branch, M.L, Griffiths, C.L. and Beckley, L.E. 2010. Two Oceans: a guide to the marine life of southern Africa
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