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Virgin Islands National Park
Marine Plants / Algae
 
Thalassia testudinum (Turtle grass) flower

Dr. Caroline Rogers

Thalassia testudinum flower

Seagrasses are true flowering plants that live underwater. They live in shallow, clear water, allowing enough light for them to photosynthesize, just like land plants. They spread primarily through the growth of roots and rhizomes, often forming large meadows in sandy or muddy substrate. These root systems help stabilize sediment and reduce shoreline erosion.

Boat anchors and propellers cause great damage to seagrass beds.  Anchors can rip out the roots and gouge holes that undermine the surrounding root systems.  The area "implodes," and it may take years for these areas to recover, if they recover at all.

Never Anchor in Seagrass or Coral

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Turpentine trees, locally called Gumbo Limbo are found throughout the Island, but mostly in dryer forest.

Did You Know?
This unusual-looking tree found in dry forest areas has a reddish, peeling bark. The leaves and sap smell like turpentine and have many medicinal properties, but it is the peeling bark that gives the tree its nickname – "Tourist Tree".
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Last Updated: September 29, 2008 at 14:27 MST