Status:
valid
Authors:
Banks & Sol. ex K.D.Koenig
Source:
wcs
Year:
1805
Citation Micro:
Ann. Bot. (König & Sims) 2: 96 (1805)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000770149
Common Names
- Thalassia Testudinum
- Turtle Thalassia
- Turtle Grass
Description
Thalassia testudinum (also called Turtle Grass, among many other common names) is a species of marine seagrass native to the coasts of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. It is a perennial plant with long, narrow leaves that grow in dense, underwater meadows. It is found in shallow waters, up to a depth of about 10 meters, and prefers sheltered, sandy or muddy substrates.
Uses & Benefits
Thalassia testudinum is used as an ornamental plant in ponds and aquariums. It is also used as a food source for fish and other aquatic animals.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Thalassia testudinum has small, white flowers that are clustered together and have four petals. The seed is a small, black, round nutlet. The seedlings have a pair of cotyledons and a single, slender stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Thalassia testudinum is a perennial herb native to North America. It prefers moist, shady areas and can be propagated by seed or division. It can also be propagated by cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be placed in a moist medium and kept in a cool location until they have rooted.
Where to Find Thalassia testudinum
Thalassia testudinum is native to the Caribbean and can be found in the Caribbean Sea.
Thalassia testudinum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Thalassia testudinum?
Thalassia testudinum
What is the common name of Thalassia testudinum?
Turtle grass
What is the distribution of Thalassia testudinum?
Thalassia testudinum is found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Species in the Thalassia genus
Species in the Hydrocharitaceae family
Appertiella hexandra,
Blyxa aubertii,
Blyxa echinosperma,
Blyxa hexandra,
Blyxa japonica,
Blyxa javanica,
Blyxa leiosperma,
Blyxa novoguineensis,
Blyxa octandra,
Blyxa quadricostata,
Blyxa radicans,
Blyxa senegalensis,
Blyxa vietii,
Blyxa kasaragodensis,
Blyxa mangalensis,
Elodea canadensis,
Elodea bifoliata,
Elodea callitrichoides,
Elodea canadensis,
Elodea densa,
Elodea granatensis,
Elodea naias,
Elodea nuttallii,
Elodea potamogeton,
Elodea granatensis,
Elodea heterostemon,
Enhalus acoroides,
Halophila australis,
Halophila baillonis,
Halophila beccarii,
Halophila decipiens,
Halophila engelmannii,
Halophila hawaiiana,
Halophila major,
Halophila minor,
Halophila ovalis,
Halophila spinulosa,
Halophila stipulacea,
Halophila tricostata,
Halophila capricorni,
Halophila mikii,
Halophila nipponica,
Halophila okinawensis,
Halophila sulawesii,
Halophila madagascariensis,
Halophila spinulosa,
Hydrilla verticillata,
Hydrocharis chevalieri,
Hydrocharis dubia,
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae,