The seagrass community of South
Florida is the largest seagrass meadow in the world covering
an area of more than 5,500 square kilometers. Of the seven
species of seagrass in Florida, three are prominent in the
Keys: turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum), manatee
grass (Syringodium filiforme), and shoal grass
(Halodule wrightii). Turtle grass covers the greatest
area of sea bottom, forming extensive meadows. It derives
its name from its appeal to green sea turtles. Manatee
grass, with its round leaves, is usually found in mixed
seagrass beds or in small monospecific patches. Shoal grass
is a colonizing species that grows in disturbed areas where
turtle and manatee grasses have been excluded by
environmental conditions. (photo: Heather Dine - Florida
Keys NMS)
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