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.[1][2]
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.[1] It is considered an invasive species in some countries.
Bugula neritina attracted interest as a source of cytotoxic chemicals, bryostatins, under clinical investigation as anti-cancer agents. It was first collected and provided to JL Hartwell's anticancer drug discovery group at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) by Jack Rudloe.[3] 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.[4] More recent work shows it has positive effects on cognition in sufferers of Alzheimers with few side effects.[5]
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.[6]
However, Sertularia argentea are also sold as "air ferns."[7]
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.
