The genus Heterozostera den Hartog (Zosteraceae).
Author:
(Setchell) den Hartog
Species:
One species of Heterozostera is currently recognised:
- Heterozostera tasmanica (Martens ex Aschers.) den Hartog
There is some debate about the validity of Heterozostera, with some authors arguing for the reinstatement of Zostera tasmanica into the genus Zostera in the subgenus Heterozostera (Soros-Pottruff & Posluszny, 1995).
Life history:
Heterozostera plants are monoecious. Inflorescences occur on terminal generative shoots, with male and female flowers arranged alternately along spathes, with up to 20 spathes occurring on each shoot (den Hartog, 1970). Cambridge et al. (1983) have described the production of vegetative propagules by H. tasmanica, whereby lateral shoots are produced by apical meristems on the erect shoots, which subsequently break off.
|
 |
Distribution and ecology:
Widespread in temperate waters of southern Australia, north to Dongara. Grows on sandy substrates where it can form dense meadows, as well as isolated plants.
|
The Western Australian Seagrass Web
pages were created and are maintained by: Murdoch University Western Australia. Last update: Tuesday, 25 October, 2005 10:14 |