Seagrass (Posidonia oceanica)

Posidonia oceanica – The green lung of the Mediterranean

Seagrass is a true marine plant with roots, leaves and flowers. It grows exclusively in the Mediterranean and forms extensive underwater meadows, which serve as a nursery, hunting ground and hiding place for hundreds of animal species – including seahorses, snails and juvenile fish.
In the pictures below, you can see, among other things, the inflorescence and the ‘Oliva del mar’, the fruit of the Posidonia.

Its rhizomes stabilise the seabed, its leaves filter suspended particles and ensure crystal-clear water. As an effective carbon sink, it even surpasses tropical rainforests – a silent climate protector beneath the surface.

Slow-growing and ancient: some colonies are over 100,000 years old. Their dead leaves form into “Neptune's balls”, which are washed ashore like natural sculptures. The rare flower blooms mostly in autumn – a botanical spectacle underwater.

Posidonia oceanica is strictly protected. Its meadows must not be entered or anchored on – its ecological services to the Mediterranean and beyond are too valuable.