Halophila stipulacea
Halophila stipulacea
Halophila stipulacea is an invasive seagrass that was first reported in Florida in 2024 in Biscayne Bay. This species is considered invasive due to its ability to rapidly spread across open areas and form dense mats that displace and interfere with beneficial native species. It can also form floating mats of fragmented material that drift and establish in new locations. Halophila stipulacea has caused tremendous environmental damage in its nonnative habitat. It’s listed as one of the “100 Worst Invasive Alien Species in the Mediterranean,” as well as one of the “100 Worst Alien Species in Europe.” This species is part of the Early Detection Rapid Response program. If you see this plant in the wild, please report it immediately.
Common Name: Halophila stipulacea
Species Name: Halophila stipulacea
Habit: Small rooted or floating tropical seagrass.
Origin: Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean
Counties Confirmed: Miami-Dade
Description: Its rhizomes are creeping, branched, and fleshy, with solitary, unbranched roots at each node. These roots are thick, with dense, soft root hairs. Plant leaves are elliptic, oblong, and pale to dark green in color with a length of 2-6cm and a width of 3-8mm.
Habitat: Typically found in shallow, tropical, and subtropical marine environments but can tolerate variations in salinity, so look out for it in brackish waterways. It may also be found in clumps of seaweed.
Comments: If you think you see this plant (either rooted or floating), please DO NOT move or remove it: this can create fragments that increase spread. Instead, report it.
Additional Links
Call to Action
What can you do to help protect Florida waters?
Report Halophila stipulacea sightings! Call the FWC Invasive Plant Management office at 1-850-617-9430.
Do not plant or transport Halophila stipulacea.
Clean, drain, and dry all gear completely before entering another water body. It is easier and much cheaper to prevent an invasive plant from entering a waterbody than it is to manage after it becomes established.