Bottom dwelling colonies of Botryococcus are stimulated to produce and accumulate unusually high hydrocarbon concentrations that make them float to the surface. When exposed to carbon dioxide gas at the surface of the water, hydrocarbon induced flotation and growth is further enhanced with concomitant provision of appropriate light and available nitrogen. Botryococcus var. Ninsei is distinct from previously cultured strains of the genus in color, metabolism, and niche. The Ninsei variety grows green at the air-water interface. Metabolically, Ninsei is distinct from other varieties because it produces hydrocarbons in the presence of surplus ammonia in contrast to other varieties that shut down hydrocarbon production when ammonia is available. These characteristics are consistent with growth on the surface at water's edge, e.g., in the niche characterized by a mud alga. The surface niche for Ninsei is distinct because all other varieties are submerged, occupying the floor, e.g., all other varieties live at the bottom of the culture. Flotation of green colonies based on concomitant production of hydrocarbons in vitro occurs solely in the Ninsei variety.