SeagrassHalophila stipulacea
Category
- Seagrass
Description
Halophila stipulacea is a species of sea grass commonly known as stipulated halophila.
The flowers shed post flowering season. Leaves are found at the tip of a petiole. The petiole can be 3 to 15mm in length while leaves can be 3 to 8 mm wide. Halophila stipulacea is fast growing and produces seeds abundantly.
It is adapted to high levels of disturbance. Globally it is adapted to a range of salinity values, contributing to its invasive nature in certain areas.
Halophila stipulacea is dioecious, that is, male and female plants are different. Flowers are produced at each leaf node.
Habitat and ecology
Halophila stipulacea is present across the Persian Gulf through to the Red Sea, along the coasts of East Africa to Mozambique. It is also found around Madagascar and islands of the West Indian Ocean. Its presence has also been reported in East Indian waters. It grows in shallow waters but has been recorded at depths greater than 50m as well. It can grow in a wide variety of substrates and environmental conditions.
Conservation and management
This species is sensitive to sedimentation and pollution. Other anthropogenic activities also pose threats. It is listed under the ‘Least Concern’ category of the IUCN Red List and found in Marine Protected Areas.
Did you know?
This species of seagrass is invasive in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
Green turtles also feed on this species of seagrass.
