Star grass
Halophila engelmannii
Family Hydrocharitaceae - emergent vegetation
Distinguishing Characteristics |
Submerged seagrass; rhizome (long, usually horizontal stem from which stalks and leaves arise) horizontal, underground or on the surface; roots at the nodes on the rhizome; stems arise at the nodes with a pair of scales (rudimentary leaves) about half way up and another pair at the base of stem; 4 to 8 oblong leaves in a whorl at end of stem, each up to about 1 inch long and .25 inch wide; leaves with main center vein and longitudinal veins each side near borders, 6 to 8 pair of veins between border and center vein, margins finely serrated margins; stems sometimes branched. |
Similar Species |
Star grass is the only seagrass that have no basal sheaths (tubular or rolled part) on leaves. Its also distinguished by its short oblong leaves. |
Habitat |
Sandy or muddy bottoms, shallow to deep water |
Maximum Size |
stem up to 10 cm (4 in) |
Other Common Names |
Engelmann's seagrass, clover grass |
Previous Scientific Names |
|
Comments |