The Orange Tree Coral, an Emblematic Unknown Species

The orange tree coral, also known as anise coral or Dendrophyllia ramea, is a species of scleractinian coral (stony or reef-building corals). This emblematic Atlantic-Mediterranean coral species is largely unknown due to its scarcity and deep distribution (it typically lives between 50 and 200 meters). 

Thanks to its branching growth and large size, it forms majestic reefs that do not go unnoticed by those fortunate enough to encounter them. Among these corals live hundreds of species, including fish, sponges, snails, octopuses, and countless other animals, which are attracted to feed, seek shelter, or reproduce among the coral branches. 

It is listed as “Vulnerable” to extinction in the Red Book of Invertebrates in Andalusia, included in Appendix II of the CITES Convention, and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN on its Red List of Threatened Mediterranean Species.

This level of protection is granted because most populations are isolated and fragmented (few individuals, widely dispersed), located in hard-to-reach and deep sites, and face severe impacts (fishing gear and debris often become entangled in their large branches). Unfortunately, it is not included in the National Catalogue of Threatened Species, as until now there was no scientific basis justifying the risk to these populations.