DISTRIBUTION AND REPRODUCTIVE PHENOLOGY OF THE SEAGRASS CYMODOCEA-NODOSA (UCRIA) ASCHERSON IN THE CANARY-ISLANDS

Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson is the most common seagrass in the Canary Islands. Data about its insular distribution as well as observations on its flowering, fruiting and seed germination are shown. Cymodocea nodosa forms scattered meadows mainly along the southeastern coasts of these islands. The reproductive phenology was studied in meadows at El Medano, south of Tenerife. Flowering was detected from March to July, when fertile shoots were observed. Fruiting began in April and fruits were observed attached to shoots until December. Throughout the year numerous fruits were detected buried in the sediment. Seed germination was observed from February to September.