Manatee grass
Syringodium filiforme
Family Cymodoceaceae - seagrass
Distinguishing Characteristics |
Submerged seagrass; rhizome (long, usually horizontal stem from which stalks and leaves arise) horizontal, at or above ground; leaf blades are cylindrical in cross-section (as opposed to flat like most leaves), tips blunt; leaves up to 50 cm (20 in) in length, in clusters of 2 to 4 at nodes; roots occur at nodes, usually in clusters of 3, barely go below ground; |
Similar Species |
Manatee grass can easily be distinguished from other seagrasses by its round (in cross section) leaves. Other seagrasses have flat leaves. |
Habitat |
Bays, shallow water |
Maximum Size |
up to 50 cm (20 in) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
Cymodocea filiforme, C. filiformis, C. manatorum |
Comments |