Zostera is a genus small genus of widely distributed aquatic grass, it is commonly called eelgrass. The genera has 12 species.
Zostera is a marine genus, it is found on sandy sunstrates or in esturaries submerged or partially floating. Most Zostera are perennial, they have long, bright green, ribbon-like leaves, about 1 cm wide. Short stems grow up from extensive, white branching rhizomes. The flowers are enclosed in the sheaths of the leaf bases, the fruits are bladdery and can float.
Zostera beds are important for sediment deposition, substrate stabilization, as substrate for epiphytic algae and micro-invertebrates, and as nursery grounds for many species of economically important fish and shellfish. Slime moldLabyrinthula zosterae can cause dieback of Zostera, casuing a decrease in the poputaions of the fauna that depend on Zostera.
Zostera has been used foor food by the Seri tribe of Native Americans, the rhizomes and leaf-bases of eel-grass were eaten fresh or dried into cakes for winter food, Zostera was also used for smoking deer meat. Zostera has also been used as packing material and as stuffing for mattresses and cushions.
Status of Zostera species in the UK ‘Seagrass’ is a common name for a large group of higher flowering land plants that have spread into the marine environment in relatively recent geologic times.
A clarification of the taxonomic status of Zostera species and a re-examination of specimens would contribute to an increased understanding of the distribution and habitat requirements of the three forms, with important implications for their future management.
Zostera beds are an important source of food and shelter for the young stages of many fish and crustacean species, some of which are themselves food for commercially-valuable fishery species.
Zostera marina is commonly known as sea wrack, and eelgrass.
Zostera is a small genus of widely distributed seagrass, commonly called eelgrass.
Zostera beds are important for sediment deposition, substrate stabilization, as substrate for epiphytic algae and micro-invertebrates, and as nursery grounds for many species of economically important fish and shellfish.
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