Tree sponge

The tree sponge (Echinoclathria dichotoma) is a species of demosponge. 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 150 mm 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 (<1 mm 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 69 m.

Ecology
This sponge is often colonised by a white zoanthid, Parazoanthus sp.