Sea grasses are plants that have adapted to living in sea water. Previously, these herbs grew on the ground, but gradually migrated to the underwater habitat. All sea grasses, unlike algae, have rhizomes, stems, leaves, inflorescences and fruits. They grow wherever it is not very deep (up to 50 m depth). Their thickets resemble beautiful juicy meadows. We invite you to get acquainted with the main types of ocean grasses, their description, characteristics, comparison with algae. Well, let's go to the magical world of the deep sea.
Main species or families of ocean grasses
Greens in the sea can be divided into four families:
- Eeling plants. They have long thin leaves that are held on long, horizontal, almost straight rhizomes. The root system clings to the bottom of the sea with the help of small shoot roots. This type of grass has very small and inconspicuous flowers and fruits, sovery easily lost among the algae.
- Watercolor family. Includes 120 types of grass growing everywhere. Its winding rhizomes and stems are in the water, and leaves and flowers float on the surface. Vodokrasovy need low-salinity water, but some survive in an environment of high salinity. Freshwater aquatic species are known.
- Posidonium herbs. They have many similarities with eelflies, but they have larger fruits and a different method of reproduction. They can be formed by two types of shoots - vertical and horizontal. From the horizontal rhizomes are obtained, giving new full-fledged plants. After separation from the plant, the fruits of posidonium plants swim across the waves for quite long distances.
- Thymodocea family. It is considered a dioecious plant that grows in the waters of the warm tropics. It has narrow and long leaves and a whole network of winding rhizomes that hold them on the seabed. Differs in vegetative propagation and rare flowering.
Ocean Grass Features
Sea grasses and algae grow in vast underwater "meadows". The shallow waters are just full of them. These plants are absent only in Antarctica, the Arctic, the eastern Atlantic, South America and New Zealand. A number of species have wide ranges.
In silt, sand and loose soil, sea greens are fixed by rhizomes. Most of all they like silty sand. Some species like rocky surfaces. But representatives of Phyllospadix can resist the surf andstrong current. Drought does not threaten the sea meadows, unless there is a strong ebb.
The pollen of flowers of plants is carried by water, so their method of pollination is called "hydrophilia". Birds feed on seaweed seeds.
Physical and chemical properties
Research institutes are studying the chemical properties of sea greens in detail. In dried form, it is easy to dry it for grinding to the smallest particles. Ocean grass is rich in extractive substances, mineral elements, nitrogen-containing elements, carbohydrates, lignin. There are very few ether-soluble particles in it.
All marine plants have a high ash content and accumulate minerals well. The grass has a good balance of macro- and microelements. Here is a piggy bank of B vitamins, carotene, ascorbic acid and other substances.
Use in industry and agriculture
Sea greens is a feed additive for sheep, pigs, cattle. The milk yield of cows with a diet of sea grass increases per day by 15-20%, and fat content - by 0.35%. In this case, no additional odors are detected in milk. Poultry fed on these plants produce more hard-shelled eggs. The use of sea grass for the manufacture of mixed fodders enriches their composition with vitamins by 40%.
Some confectionery associations use sea green pectin as a substitute for citrus extract (for marshmallows and marmalade). Also, grass from the sea allows you to make high-qualitypaper. It is noteworthy that such paper almost does not burn.
Seaweed
Grass seaweed refers to brown algae. In China, it is called the "grass of life". And kelp is considered the elixir of youth. Its main we alth is iodine. It helps to improve metabolism, remove s alts of heavy metals from the body.
Laminaria is dried, canned, salads are made. The most useful sea kale from the Barents and White seas. It is important to note that seaweed is different from regular seaweeds. She has peculiar leaves-plates, called thalli. And on the table, these thalli fall already finely chopped. Plates in the sea grow for a year, then collapse, and new ones grow in their place.
Laminaria is harvested in two ways: at a depth of 5 m or thrown ashore by a storm. Traditional medicine widely uses the thallus of the plant. It is especially useful for disorders of the thyroid gland.
Zoster Sea Grass
Perennial sea greenery with a branched root system and high herbage is Zostera maritime. It is also called eelgrass or damask. The entire Black Sea coast is overgrown with this plant. It is also found in the Azov, Caspian, White and Far Eastern seas.
Vzmornik fill pillows, mattresses, sleeping on which is useful for respiratory diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
Zostera is abundantly thrown ashore by storms. Then they collect it. For this they dospecial nets. Then it is dried and crushed. Processing of raw materials may vary.
Posidonia Sea Grass
Real "marine forests" can form Posidonia oceanic. It grows at a depth of 30-50 m. Sometimes it is called an alga, but this plant has its own root system, roots, leaves, colors, fruits and seeds. The length of the leaves of posidonia can be up to 50 cm. At a depth, the leaves of this herb are longer. The plant is pollinated in water, has pollen grains. Ready seeds fall to the bottom, germinate and take root.
The whole underwater world benefits greatly from Posidonia. It is a source of oxygen, so many sea fish and seahorses find their home in it.
Inhabitants of North Africa got used to cover the roofs of their dwellings with dry grass. Posidonia colonies are an important part of the Mediterranean ecosystem. Unfortunately, the deterioration of the natural situation negatively affects the development of this marine plant.
Using ocean grass to make furniture
Sea dry grass light is used as a filler for upholstered furniture. This is a great alternative to foam. It is elastic, hygienic, resistant to moisture, well ventilated and smells. Grass is used to make armchairs, sofas, chairs. It is suitable for the restoration of old antique furniture. But most often, sea grass for furniture is used as a filler for orthopedic mattresses.
Consumer Reviews
Manybuyers after purchasing furniture with seagrass filler leave grateful reviews. People note that this plant has a healing and antibacterial effect, since it releases iodine. Sleeping on orthopedic damask mattresses energizes you for the whole day. This is a kind of natural latex, which is obtained by impregnating and bonding ocean grass. Mattresses made of this material have a light massage and soothing effect, regulate the balance of humidity and temperature of the sleeper.
