Shoal grass
Halodule wrightii
Family Cymodoceaceae - seagrass
Distinguishing Characteristics |
Submerged seagrass; rhizome (long, usually horizontal stem from which stalks and leaves arise) horizontal, underground, white in color; leaves arise from short stalks attached to the rhizome, 2-4 leaves per node; leaves flat, very narrow, up to 2 mm in width, tips (when not broken off) with 3 points (1 long, wide point in the center, 2 smaller points laterally); length of leaves from 5 cm (2 in) to 40 cm (16 in) depending on water depth; leaves sheathed at the base; flowers are rare, small and insignificant, form at the base of the stems; 2 roots extend from the each node of the rhizome. |
Similar Species |
Similar to the widgeon grass, but the widgeon grass has a zigzag shaped, green or yellow rhizome, with leaves extending from alternating sides, and has 1 root extending from lower nodes of rhizomes. Also widgeon grass leaves have a 1 point tip. |
Habitat |
Bays, shallow waters, silty mud to coarse sand |
Maximum Size |
|
Other Common Names |
|
Previous Scientific Names |
H. beaudettei, Diplanthera wrightii |
Comments |