Turtle Grass
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Scientific Name:
Thalassia testudinum Aquatic
Native
Description
Blades are submerged, green, flat, and finely-veined with rounded tips. Small clusters of blades grow from rhizomes buried in 2 to 4 inches of substrate. Blades can grow up to 1 foot in height and less than 1 inch wide. Produces large, pale green to pale pink flowers that produce prominent seed pods which often wash ashore.
Range and Habitat
Native throughout the Gulf of America and Caribbean. Found in the Chandeleur Islands off Louisiana's eastern coast. Found in intertidal zones with mid to high salinity (able to survive in a wide range of salinities). Prefers areas protected from heavy wave action. Prefers to be submerged but can survive exposure to air at low tide.
Behavior
Propagates through rhizomes and seeds. Forms meadows in shallow sandy or muddy locations, often with other marine grass species. Lessens substrate loss by roots and rhizomes binding the substrate.
Population Status
Ranked as S2 (imperiled) in Louisiana.