Eel Grass, Seawrack

Zostera marina

Physical Characteristics

Zostera marina is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Water. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to the Mediterranean.

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[177, 256]. The leaf bases are crisp and sweet, they were often used as a feast food by the native North American Indians[256]. Seed[177]. No more details are given. The root of the plant is chewed for its saccharine juice[2, 105]. The root is crisp and sweet, it was used as a flavouring by the native North American Indians and was also dried for winter food[256]. The raw rhizomes were often used as a feast food[256].

Medicinal Uses

Women's complaints The leaves are used in the treatment of dropsy, goitre and women's illnesses[218].

Known Hazards

None known