Aquatic Producers Review

Must be water pollinated.

Adapted to live in high saline (salty)

Sheltered shallow water along the coast in sandy and muddy areas below the low tide level.

Reduce effects of hurricanes

Able to grow in anoxic (low-no oxygen) waters

Sheltered, shallow, nutrient-rich water along the coast in sandy and muddy areas at the tidal level.

Must be securely anchored to withstand wave action and tidal currents

Started out as land flowering plants that have gradually evolved to live in sea water.

Must be able to grow totally submersed;

Roots and leaves totally submersed

Leaves sweat out salt or have a waxy waterproof covering

Reproduce Sexually –produce a flower that blooms underwater and is pollinated underwater by pollen carried in water currents.

Reproduce Asexually – rhizomes -horizontal stems sending out roots and shoots that occur below the sediments

Harmed by overfishing and Dredging

Reproduce Sexually – produce flowers that are pollinated. Seeds germinate while still on the plant - roots are on top. Seed falls and floats until it roots.

Have Pneumatophores/erect/aerial roots that form of upward appendages that are not submerged underwater so the root can get oxygen in a low oxygen environment.

Have Lenticels/ small pores present on aerial roots – allows for gas exchange. They can be blocked by crude oil, pollution, and attacks by parasites.

Harmed by deforestation for wood/timber

Part of food chains & webs

Nursery areas