Axinella verrucosa is a sponge (Prolifera phylum) that is classified in the Axinellida order and in turn in the Axinellidae family. It is a species native to the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, where it grows on steep rocky slopes and/or pebbly bottoms at depths between 10 and 80 meters.
Axinella verrucosa specimens can reach a height of up to 10 cm. It is an erect sponge, formed by several branches of cylindrical section up to 1 cm in diameter, slightly grooved and irregularly arranged in arborescent form. The various branches can fuse together beyond their respective bases. Although the interior of the body is hollow, the consistency of the branches is rigid and slightly spongy. The color of teh sponge is yellowish / ocher and it’s is homogeneous throughout its body.
As is characteristic of sponges, the body of Axinella verrucosa has multiple small pores along its outer surface. The sponge absorbs the circulating water through these pores, capturing by means of specialized cells the organic particles present in the absorbed water.
As for the reproduction of Axinella verrucosa, it is a hermaphrodite species that can reproduce both asexually by twinning, giving rise to genetically identical specimens; and sexually by releasing male gametes into the water column that are captured by other specimens to fertilize the eggs of the latter and give rise to a planktonic larva. This larva will descend to the seabed after a few days, clinging tightly to the substrate to give rise to a juvenile specimen of this sponge.
Axinella verrucosa is often confused with Axinella damicornis, as both species are very similar in size and coloration.
Multiple compounds with very interesting characteristics for biomedical research have been isolated. Among them we find hymenialdisin, a substance with potent anti-inflammatory activity, as well as communesins, compounds with potential use in the treatment of certain leukemias.
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