SafePlants

Shoalweed

Shoalweed is a common name applied to several species of seagrass, primarily those belonging to the genus Halodule. It is often found in coastal marine environments.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Halodule wrightii Asch.
• Common Names: Shoalweed, Shoal Grass, Cuban Shoalweed

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae)
• Family: Cymodoceaceae (manatee-grass family)
• Genus: Halodule Endl.
• Species: Halodule beaudettei (Hartog) Hartog – shoalweed, Halodule wrightii
• Synonyms: Halodule beaudettei (den Hartog) den Hartog, Diplanthera wrightii Ashers

Distribution and Habitat

• Shoalweed is native to seacoasts of warmer oceans.
• Reported locations include: California, Texas, Mosambik, Bolivien, Guatemala, Kolumbien, Niederlndischen Antillen, Barbados, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Guyana, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi.
• It often colonizes disturbed areas.
• In certain contexts, it is noted for only growing in a cave or as a "rare variety of seaweed".

Ecological Role

• Shoalweed, particularly Halodule wrightii, is a primary seagrass in some regions.
• It can be a colonizer of disturbed areas.
• Sometimes it is mentioned as experiencing encroachment.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a forb/herb, which is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Shoalweed has narrow, long, and somewhat roundish leaves and grows sparsely.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The provided text suggests it might be an alternative food for turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum).
• Specific references are made to using the plant within the game Final Fantasy XI, where it is obtained from Recluse Spiders and traded for other items.

Further Information

• USF Herbarium Specimen Database
• Discover Life
• GE Wikia
• BG Wiki
• FFXIDB
• Dave's Garden