WHAT IS POSIDONIA

ALSO CALLED THE LUNG OF THE SEA

POSIDONIA OCEANICA IS A UNIQUE MARINE PLANT FOUND IN THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

It forms extensive meadows around the Balearic Islands, known as underwater forests, capable of harboring a high biodiversity of species. The seagrass meadows provide shelter for many species, produce oxygen daily, while also trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (a key gas in climate change) and creating tons of biomass per year.

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YEARS

One of the longest-lived organisms on the planet.

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KM

A single plant can have a surface area between one end and the other of 10 km.

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KM2

One of the largest plants in the Balearic Islands.

SPECIES EVOLUTION

Posidonia oceanica is a species of seagrass that is part of the marine angiosperms group. This group has undergone a fascinating historical evolution over time, with an origin dating back to the late Mesozoic era, specifically between 140 and 65 million years ago. From their terrestrial ancestors to the present-day Posidonia, they have undergone changes and adaptations to survive and thrive in the marine conditions of the sea. Marine angiosperms had to develop specific adaptations to live underwater, tolerate salinity, thrive in a turbulent environment, and carry out underwater pollination. With these adaptations, they conquered all seas except the Arctic. Over time, a particular species settled in the Mediterranean, persisting to this day. This species is Posidonia.

SPECIES BIOLOGY

The Posidonia is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Posidoniaceae. Their long, narrow leaves spread along the bottom, grouped in bundles, and are rooted to the seabed by rhizomes. It has a long life span and can live for hundreds of years, with very slow growth of approximately a few centimeters per year. Some of them, depending on their age, can form large structures of dead rhizomes and sediment on the seabed, called mats, which are very similar to coral reefs. Unlike algae, Posidonia reproduces through the formation of fruits and seeds that are dispersed by marine currents.

Life cycle

Summer

With the increase in water temperature, the leaves acquire a more whitish color and are filled with epiphytes and other microorganisms. It is the season of the year with the most organic matter activity.

Autumn

The flowering begins, with the development of inflorescences. The deciduous leaves detach from the bunches in large quantities due to the storms and fill the beaches with leaves.

Winter

The flowers continue to grow and some fruits begin to be seen at the end of winter, which will end up floating in the sea. At the same time, the growth of the leaves slows down.

Spring

The ripe fruits are released from the meadows and float away following the currents. After a few days, the seeds are released and sink to the bottom where they will begin to germinate.