Journal of Marine Science: Research & Development
Open Access

Abstract

There are five varieties of Caulerpa racemosa (Forsskal 1873) recorded in Fiji excluding Rotuma. It is widely used as salad in the Pacific Island countries. This study will identify different forms within the variety of Caulerpa racemosa sold in Fiji. Identifying different forms can acts a natural tag to its quality. There is prospect of C. racemosa export market in Fiji linking to the Japanese market. Hence, it is important to identify the different forms of C. racemosa sold in Fiji. Samples were purchased from Suva and Nausori market for a period of four weeks. Varieties of C. racemosa were identified in each sample. Distinctive morphological features were identified, illustrated and described within the variety. C. racemosa var. occidentalis is the only variety identified. There were only five distinctive morphological forms discovered based on the external features in this variety. These forms were harvested from different locations suggesting that different habitat/environmental conditions influence the different growth forms. In conclusion, C. racemosa is highly morphologically plastic species influenced by environmental factors

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