Superior growth traits of invaded (Caribbean) versus native (Red sea) populations of the seagrass Halophila stipulacea.

ABSTRACT: The seagrass Halophila stipulacea is native to the Red Sea. It invaded the Mediterranean over the past century and most of the Caribbean over the last two decades. Understanding the main drivers behind the successful invasiveness of H. stipulacea has become crucial. We performed a comprehensive study including field measurements, a mesocosm experiment, and a literature review to identify 'superior growth traits' that can potentially explain the success story of H. stipulacea. We assessed meadow characteristics and plant traits of three invasive H. stipulacea populations growing off the Island of Sint Eustatius (eastern Caribbean). We compared similar parameters between native (Eilat, northern Red Sea) and invasive (Caribbean) H. stipulacea plants in a com

SUBMITTER: Winters G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10115387 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature