A Preliminary Survey of the Species of Zostera

Abstract

Zostera is considered to have 11 well characterized spp. and 2-3 unnamed and as yet doubtful. The genus is divided into sections Alega Aschers., Zosterella Aschers., and HETEROZOSTERA (p.816). Characters of diagnostic importance are to be found in both the gross morphology and the microscopic structure of the vegetative and reproductive structures. Certain confusions relating to the exact identities of Z. muelleri and Z. tasmanica arc discussed. Z. capensis (p.815), Cape Province, Z. novazelandica (p. 816), New Zealand, and Z. marina f. sulcatifolia (p. 813), California, are described. A provisional key for the spp. based on vegetative characters is appended.