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BIOSNIPPET ISSUE 19 Scientific Name: Posidonia oceanica English: Neptune Seagrass, Posidonia Maltese: l-alka, l-alka l-kbira, il-posidonja This is a flowering seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It is an herbaceous perennial that occurs submerged in seawater at depths ranging 1-50m, occasionally more, forming large extents called Neptune seagrass meadows or beds. The name Posidonia was termed after the Greek god of the sea Poseidon; this is also reflected in the English name, where Neptune is the Roman god of the sea. The term oceanica refers to its marine occurrence and its former wide distribution. Its long ribbon-like, green leaves turn brown with age. Under these leaves are fibrous tufts which are essentially the remains of dead leaves. These tufts are packed by the rolling action of waves and form rounded structures known as Neptune Balls, and eventually end up washed ashore. In spring, green and inconspicuous flowers are borne on stout stalks, which upon fertilisation form olive-shaped fruit, which are sometimes also found on beaches and shores. Posidonia meadows provide a vital marine habitat, which apart from providing food and shelter for numerous invertebrates, fish and other marine vertebrate species like turtles, are also an important breeding ground, and are considered as an effective natural means against coastal wave erosion. Furthermore, strong currents often detach Posidonia leaves; these are most often deposited on seashores by wave action, forming mounds on sandy beaches. In turn, these mounds support a vast array of terrestrial and marine creatures, such as amphipods, isopods, snails, and others. The Neptune Seagrass and Posidonia meadows are considered to be a priority habitat of importance at European level and are protected both at regional and local level. Environment and Resources Authority Hexagon House, Spencer Hill Marsa MRS 1441 T: (+356) 2292 3500 E: [email protected] W: era.org.mt