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Surfgrass

Phyllospadix torreyi

Photo by CoralAvery
Published on Project Noah
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32.8577, -117.253

Field Notes

Description:

Green sea grass covering the tide pools and the organisms that live within it.

Habitat:

Spotted at La Jolla Shores.

Notes:

http://waynesword.palomar.edu/seagrass.htm

Reference Links:

Seagrass, Calflora: Calflora: Phyllospadix torreyi

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
CoralAvery
Thanks Leuba, the grass seems to stay healthy pretty easily, but during low tide is does dry up. My guess is because of the hot sun baking it with the salt from the sea water, but it's adapted to it's habitat and still flourishes. It must be difficult being pounded by waves nearly 24/7. I certainly have more respect for these kinds of organisms in extreme conditions.
CindyBinghamKeiser
Hi Ava T-B. I have this spotting too and had a reference to a link owned by Scripps but their site isn't working. I sent them an email in hopes it's just a quick fix. I've read that both species are located in La Jolla but I don't have any books to reference to describe the difference. I'll look into it again this weekend in hopes of a proper ID.
Leuba Ridgway
what beautiful pictures! -looks like a lovely spot. The grass is so lush and healthy. Hope it stays that way.
CoralAvery
Definitely Phyllospadix torreyi. I added an ID to your image. :)
Ava T-B
So CoralAvery, do you think I have this ID wrong? Is mine also Phyllospadix torreyi? http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7894550
CoralAvery
I see why it's called Surfgrass and not Seagrass-it get's pounded by waves almost 24/7!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
California Coastal Wildlife Watch
Mission
Southern California Wildlife

Tags

Photographed
PublishedNovember 24, 2011

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