Manatee Grass
Syringodium filiforme
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Is., Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Venezuelan Antilles, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
James St. John (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cymodoceaceae
- Genus:
- Syringodium
- Species:
- Syringodium filiforme
- USDA Symbol:
- CYFI3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- sea turtles, manatees, fish, invertebrates
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained
- pH:
- 7.0 - 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in shallow, clear marine waters.