Turtle grass
Thalassia testudinum
Family Hydrocharitaceae - seagrass
Distinguishing Characteristics |
Submerged seagrass; rhizome (long, usually horizontal stem from which stalks and leaves arise) horizontal, underground, scaly, sometimes buried up to 25 cm (10 in) deep; stalks branching off from rhizomes surrounded by fibrous remains of old leaves; stalks rarely protrude above the sediment; cluster of 3-7 leaves at end of stalks; leaves flat, green, grass-like, up to 1 cm (1/2 in) wide, up to 35 cm (14 in) long; tips of leaves rounded; leaves sheathed (tubular leaf enveloping base); small flower in the axil of the stalks; seeds to a size of 5 cm (1/2 in), may wash up on beaches. |
Similar Species |
Leaves are similar to those of the wild celery Vallisneria americana, but the tips of the wild celery leaves are pointed. |
Habitat |
Bays, muddy sandy substrates, higher salinity areas, water depths of 6-150 cm (2-5 ft) |
Maximum Size |
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Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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