Amphibolis

Amphibolis
Amphibolis antarctica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Alismatales
Family:	Cymodoceaceae
Genus:	Amphibolis (Labillardière) Sonder & Ascherson ex Ascherson
Species
Amphibolis antarctica Amphibolis griffithii

Amphibolis is a genus in the family Cymodoceaceae. It includes two species of sea grass endemic to the western and southern coast of Australia, Amphibolis antarctica and Amphibolis griffithii, commonly known as sea nymph or wire weed. The seeds produce an anchoring comb of bristles while they mature on the female plant, giving the seedling a purchase when it arrives at a new site.

A type of seagrass, the plants of this genus forms meadows on calcareous sands. These meadows, and their consequent detritus, become an important source of food and shelter for a number of marine species. The interweaving roots and leaves consolidate the substrate of the ocean floor, protecting it from erosion by currents and wave action.

References

• Mike van Keulen (2005-10-25). "Amphibolis". Western Australian Seagrass. Murdoch University. http://wwwscience.murdoch.edu.au/centres/others/seagrass/amphibolis.html. Retrieved 2007-12-16. 
• "Amphibolis". FloraBase. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia. http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/20928. 
• Guiry, M.D.; Guiry, G.M. (2008). "Amphibolis". AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org/search/genus/detail/?genus_id=43002. Retrieved 2009-02-21. 

External links

• Images of Amphibolis at Algaebase