Frog's-bit [Hydrocharitaceae]

Description

Hydrocharitaceae, commonly known as the Frog's-bit family, includes both freshwater and marine aquatic plants. Within the marine realm, members of this family, such as species of the genera Halophila and Thalassia, are significant. These plants are primarily seagrasses found in shallow coastal waters, providing critical habitat for a diverse range of marine life. They are characterized by their flowering nature, a rarity among marine plants, which allows for sexual reproduction. Thalassia, commonly known as turtle grass, forms extensive underwater meadows that are crucial for sediment stabilization, nutrient cycling, and as a food source for various marine animals, including the endangered green sea turtle. Halophila species, with their smaller leaves, often colonize areas alongside Thalassia, adding to the biodiversity and complexity of seagrass ecosystems.

Genera

Taxonomy