Sargassum vulgare has a bush-like thalli reaching 150-700mm high; the fronds are oval, flattened, olive-green to brown and possess a central rib and undulated edge. The base of the fronds has hollow, spherical veicles, of 5-8mm, and clusters of reproductive bodies; these are held in place by a pedicle. The alga is attached to the substrate with irregular rhizoidal branches. S. vulgare has an olive brown to dark brown colouration.

Original publication: Agardh, C.A. (1820 '1821'). Species algarum rite cognitae, cum synonymis, differentiis specificis et descriptionibus succinctis. Volumen primum. Pars prima. pp. [i-iv], [1]-168. Lundae [Lund]: ex officina Berlingiana.

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Provide biological, medical and pharmacological activity - antihelminthic (vermifuge); hypoglycemic activity

Source of hydrocolloids - source of alginate

Source of organic chemicals - source of polyols, alanine and mannitol

Dawes, C.J. & Mathieson, A.C. (2008). The seaweeds of Florida. pp. [i]- viii, [1]-591, [592], pls I-LI. Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida.

Pedroche, P.F., Silva, P.C., Aguilar Rosas, L.E., Dreckmann, K.M. & Aguilar Rosas, R. (2008). Catálogo de las algas benthónicas del Pacífico de México II. Phaeophycota. pp. [i-viii], i-vi, 15-146. Mexicali & Berkeley: Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana and University of California Berkeley.

Ramon, E. & Gil-ad, N.L. (2007). Proposal to conserve the name Sargassum vulgare (Phaeophyceae: Sargassaceae,) with a conserved type. Taxon 56: 955-957.

Type locality: Bat Yam, Israel

Ad litora Oceani Atlantici; ex India Occidentali