Print Report
G821 Halophila hawaiiana Seagrass Bed Group
Type Concept Sentence: This submerged marine vegetation group occurs in warm tropical waters in the Hawaiian Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean and is dominated by Halophila hawaiiana, an Hawaiian endemic.
Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Hawai`i Seagrass Seagrass Bed Group
Colloquial Name: Hawaiian Seagrass Bed
Hierarchy Level: Group
Type Concept: This group occurs in warm tropical waters in the Hawaiian Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It is known from O`ahu, Maui, Moloka`i, and Kaua`i. This submerged marine vegetation is dominated by Halophila hawaiiana, an Hawaiian endemic. Halophila hawaiiana meadows support a rich community of associated organisms in sediments and as epiphytes on the leaf blades, providing food and shelter for more mobile organisms such as fish and crustaceans. Halophila hawaiiana supports a rich community of species ranging from tiny sea snail to Hawaiian green turtle. The seagrass beds form patches in relatively shallow water with subtidal depths of 0.5-4 m in sandy areas surrounding reefs, in bays or fishponds.
Diagnostic Characteristics: This group is dominated by Halophila hawaiiana and is endemic to Hawai`i.
Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available
Classification Comments: No Data Available
Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: No Data Available
Floristics: This group is dominated by Halophila hawaiiana and is endemic to Hawai`i.
Dynamics: Although seagrasses are resistant to waves and tidal currents, during tropical storms and hurricanes the sandy sea beds may be blown out by extremely strong currents. Stands in this Hawaiian endemic group are threatened by invasive algae species Avrainvillea amadelpha and Gracilaria sp. which grow in dense mats that can smother the seagrass. Another threat is invasive seagrass species Halophila decipiens, a pantropical species that was discovered in 2000 in both shallow and deep sandy areas on the coast of Oahu. It may become a problem if Halophila decipiens can outcompete the native Halophila hawaiiana because of its greater reproductive capacity and ability to grow in deeper water. Additionally the invasive aquatic marine herb Ruppia maritima may impact the native seagrass aquatic herb.
Environmental Description: This submerged marine vegetation occurs in relatively shallow water with subtidal depths of 0.5-4 m in sandy areas surrounding reefs, in bays or fishponds. Climate: This group occurs in a tropical climate. Soil/substrate/hydrology: Substrates are typically sand.
Geographic Range: This seagrass bed group is endemic to Hawai`i and is known from O`ahu, Maui, Moloka`i, and Kaua`i.
Nations: US
States/Provinces: HI
Plot Analysis Summary:
http://vegbank.org/natureserve/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.955880
Confidence Level: Moderate
Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNR
Greasons: No Data Available
| Type | Name | Database Code | Classification Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class | 5 Aquatic Vegetation Class | C05 | 5 |
| Subclass | 5.A Saltwater Aquatic Vegetation Subclass | S09 | 5.A |
| Formation | 5.A.3 Benthic Vascular Saltwater Vegetation Formation | F054 | 5.A.3 |
| Division | 5.A.3.Xd Tropical Saltwater Vegetation Division | D063 | 5.A.3.Xd |
| Macrogroup | 5.A.3.Xd.4 Polynesian-Eastern Melanesian Saltwater Vegetation Macrogroup | M177 | 5.A.3.Xd.4 |
| Group | 5.A.3.Xd.4.b Hawai`i Seagrass Seagrass Bed Group | G821 | 5.A.3.Xd.4.b |
Concept Lineage: No Data Available
Predecessors: No Data Available
Obsolete Names: No Data Available
Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
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