black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Synonyms: Zostera nana Roth.
Zostera noltii (Hörnern, 1832)
Common names: Rom: Iarba de mare; Russ: Vzmornik maliy; Turk: Ince deniz otu.
Taxonomic description. Thin, branched rhizome stems, 10-40 cm long. Narrow
linear leaves, 5-20 (30) cm long, 0.5-2 mm broad, with 1-3 main nerves and 3-4
secondary nerves and emarginate point. Peduncle not thickened under the sheat. Ear
1.5 cm long, with (3) 6-12 flowers. Ripe fruit completely smooth - VI-VJTI.
IUCN Status
World level:
Black Sea Regional level:
Subregion level: VU
Distribution, Habitat type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors. Rocky and sandy
bottoms of the sea and littoral lakes. Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea,
Karacum. Species of arctic-northern origin. Threats: high turbidity; human
exploitation (by fishermen).
Biology. Beside the utilization mentioned for the previous species, it is used as a
substitute for artificial wool. It contains 14% protein and 2.1% fat, and can be used as
food for pigs.
Order HELOBIALES
Family POTAMOGETONACEAE
111