Halophila ovalis - Flora of Qatar

Ashab bahriya, Dugong Grass, Hasheesh bahri, Paddle weed, Sea Wrack, Spoon seagrass

Halophila ovalis is a seagrass in the family Hydrocharitaceae, a common name is paddle weed. It is a small herbaceous plant that occurs in sea beds and other saltwater environments.[+]

The plant occurs around reefs, estuaries, islands, inter-tidal areas, on soft sand or mud substrates. The leaves are ovate in outline, appearing on stems that emerge from rhizome beneath the sand. The roots get up to 800 mm long and covered in fine root hairs. It is often found in meadows that dominate a sand bank or other patch of sea floor. The arrangement of the plant, above and below ground, provides stability to the sea floor and habitat for other species. It is used as food by dugong, as is therefore known as dugong grass.

The first description of the species was by Robert Brown as Caulinia ovalis, this was transferred to the genus Halophila by Joseph Dalton Hooker in Flora Tasmaniae (1858). The species name Halophila ovata is now regarded as a synonym of this species.

AI-generated Description

Halophila ovalis, also known as the paddle grass or dugong grass, is a species of seagrass that grows in shallow, tropical waters. In Qatar, it has been found to be a common component of seagrass beds, particularly in areas with soft sediments and low water currents. Studies have shown that H. ovalis is widely distributed along the Qatari coast, including in areas such as the Gulf of Salwa and the coastal waters near Doha. The plant plays an important role in supporting marine biodiversity in Qatar, providing habitat for species such as sea turtles and dugongs. However, its populations are vulnerable to threats such as coastal development, pollution, and climate change, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this valuable ecosystem component.

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Halophila ovalis in Qatar reveal that the plant was found in the area of Ras Al Noof near Al Khor. The Spoon seagrass, also known as Paddle weed, was extracted from the water and examined. When back lit, the plant's structure is visible, showcasing its unique characteristics. A closer look at the leaf of Halophila ovalis reveals its distinct shape and features. The observations were made on April 18, 2014, and provide insight into the plant's appearance and growth in Qatari waters. The images of the plant, including the back lit view and the leaf, offer a detailed look at Halophila ovalis in its natural habitat. These observations contribute to a better understanding of this species and its presence in Qatar.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Halophila ovalis (R.Br.) Hook.f.

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Extract from Wikipedia article