Other Definitions
zostera (dict)
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ZosteraZostera japonica
Zostera marina Zostera is a small genus of widely distributed seagrass, commonly called eelgrass. The genera has 12 species. It is found on sandy sunstrates or in esturaries submerged or partially floating. Most Zostera are perennial, they have long, bright green, ribbon-like leaves, about 1 cm wide. Short stems grow up from extensive, white branching rhizomes. The flowers are enclosed in the sheaths of the leaf bases, the fruits are bladdery and can float. Zostera beds are important for sediment deposition, substrate stabilization, as substrate for epiphytic algae and micro-invertebrates, and as nursery grounds for many species of economically important fish and shellfish. Slime mold Labyrinthula zosterae can cause dieback of Zostera, causing a decrease in the populations of the fauna that depend on Zostera. Zostera has been used for food by the Seri tribe of Native Americans, the rhizomes and leaf-bases of eelgrass were eaten fresh or dried into cakes for winter food; Zostera was also used for smoking deer meat. Zostera has also been used as packing material and as stuffing for mattresses and cushions.
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