Coastal & Marine Plants

Coastal & Marine Plants

Description
Description

Coastal and marine plants are species adapted to life in or near saltwater environments, including shorelines, tidal zones, seagrass beds, and underwater ecosystems. These plants thrive in sandy, saline, or submerged habitats where few others can survive. Marine plants such as seagrasses grow entirely underwater, while coastal species like salt-tolerant grasses, algae, and dune vegetation occupy intertidal and supratidal zones.

Over time, they evolved unique mechanisms to manage salt exposure, shifting tides, and low nutrient availability. Many developed tolerance to wind, waves, and sand movement, enabling them to anchor ecosystems that are constantly changing. Their ecological niche is essential for stabilizing coastlines, supporting marine life, and cycling nutrients. Distributed globally, these plants have independently evolved across different plant groups to meet the challenges of life in marine and coastal environments.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Coastal and marine plants grow with specialized features that help them survive in salty, shifting environments. Many have thick, waxy leaves or salt-excreting surfaces to manage excess salt. Seagrasses, which live fully underwater, have long, ribbon-like leaves and roots that anchor them in soft seabeds. Dune plants and salt marsh grasses often develop deep or spreading roots to hold onto sandy or muddy ground.

Some coastal plants grow low to the ground to resist wind, while others stand tall to compete for light. Many reproduce through both seeds and underground runners, allowing them to spread and quickly stabilize exposed areas. Some float their seeds on tides, while others drop them nearby. These adaptations help coastal and marine plants survive waves, salt spray, and constant changes in water levels.

Cultural Impact
Cultural Impact

Coastal and marine plants have supported human communities for centuries, providing resources, protection, and ecological services. Seagrasses and algae have been harvested for food, fertilizer, and animal feed, while coastal plants like beach grasses and mangroves help protect shorelines from storms and erosion. In traditional coastal cultures, seaweeds hold culinary and ceremonial value, and dune vegetation often marks territory or guides seasonal land use.

Today, scientists and environmental planners rely on these plants in habitat restoration, shoreline stabilization, and carbon sequestration efforts. In daily life, beachgoers may not notice their presence, but these plants quietly buffer coastlines and maintain water quality. As climate concerns grow, their role in mitigating sea-level rise and supporting marine biodiversity has gained renewed attention, positioning them as key players in global conservation and coastal resilience strategies.

Common Questions
Common Questions
Are coastal plants affected by rising sea levels?

Yes, coastal plants are affected by rising sea levels, which can lead to increased saltwater intrusion, erosion, and habitat loss. As water levels rise, some plants may become submerged or lose access to oxygen, while others may be pushed inland if space allows. Species that can’t adapt or migrate face decline. Changes in salinity and tidal patterns also disrupt growth and reproduction, threatening entire coastal plant communities.

Can marine plants be used as food or medicine?

Yes, many marine plants can be used as food or medicine. Edible seaweeds like nori, kelp, and wakame are rich in vitamins, minerals, and iodine, and are staples in various coastal cuisines. Some species are used in traditional medicine to support thyroid health, digestion, or skin care. Additionally, bioactive compounds from marine algae are being researched for use in pharmaceuticals, supplements, and skincare products.

What role do marine plants play in carbon capture?

Marine plants, especially seagrasses, algae, and salt marsh vegetation, play a vital role in carbon capture by absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and storing it in their biomass and surrounding sediments. This process, known as “blue carbon,” locks away carbon for long periods, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. Unlike many land plants, marine plants can bury carbon deep underwater, where it remains stable and out of the atmosphere.

Plants

* Under Development *

6”-12” | 15-30 cm
2’6”-4’6” | 76-137 cm (Spread)
Aussie Rambler
30.000
137.000
150
GUIDE
3D
Aussie Rambler
6”-12” | 15-30 cm
2’6”-4’6” | 76-137 cm (Spread)
Aussie Rambler (Hanging)
30.000
137.000
150
GUIDE
3D
Aussie Rambler (Hanging)
6”-18” | 15-45 cm
2’-4’ | 61-122 cm (Spread)
Blue Chalk Sticks
45.000
122.000
2700
GUIDE
3D
Blue Chalk Sticks
12’-20’ | 3.7-6.1 m
15.75’-19.4’ | 4.8-5.9 m (Spread)
23.6”-31.5” | 60-80 cm (Trunk)
10’-12’ | 3-3.7 m (Leaf)
Bottle Palm
610.000
590.000
80.000
370.000
20800
GUIDE
3D
Bottle Palm
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m
6.9’-12.8’ | 2.1-3.9 m (Diameter)
11.8”-31.5” | 30-80 cm (Trunk)
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Burrawang
200.000
390.000
80.000
200.000
700
GUIDE
3D
Burrawang
40’-70’ | 12.2-21.3 m
10’-15’ | 3-4.6 m (Spread)
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm (Trunk)
5’-7’ | 1.5-2.1 m (Leaf)
Cabbage Palm
2130.000
460.000
40.000
210.000
8900
GUIDE
3D
Cabbage Palm
32.8’-65.6’ | 10-20 m
19.7’-29.5’ | 6-9 m (Spread)
23.6”-47.2” | 60-120 cm (Trunk)
9.8’-19.7’ | 3-6 m (Leaf)
Canary Island Date Palm
2000.000
900.000
120.000
600.000
5900
GUIDE
3D
Canary Island Date Palm
10’-29.5’ | 3-9 m
6.6’-12.5’ | 2-3.8 m (Spread)
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm (Trunk)
3’-6’ | .9-1.8 m (Leaf)
Chinese Fan Palm
900.000
380.000
30.000
180.000
20300
GUIDE
3D
Chinese Fan Palm
65.6’-100’ | 20-30.5 m
22’-32.8’ | 6.7-10 m (Spread)
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm (Trunk)
13.1’-19.7’ | 4-6 m (Leaf)
Coconut Palm
3050.000
1000.000
45.000
600.000
6200
GUIDE
3D
Coconut Palm
8’-13.1’ | 2.4-4 m
11.5’-15.75’ | 3.5-4.8 m (Spread)
7.9”-9.8” | 20-25 cm (Trunk)
18”-24” | .45-.61 m (Leaf)
European Fan Palm
400.000
480.000
25.000
61.000
5200
GUIDE
3D
European Fan Palm
Flax
96000
3’-6’ | 91-183 cm
3’6”-7’ | 107-213 cm (Spread)
Flax
183.000
213.000
96000
GUIDE
3D
Flax
40’-70’ | 12.2-21.3 m
5’-10’ | 1.5-3 m (Spread)
1.6’-3.3’ | .5-1 m (Trunk)
.08”-.2” | 2-5 mm (Leaf)
Italian Cypress
2130.000
300.000
100.000
0.500
15500
GUIDE
3D
Italian Cypress
3.3’-6.6’ | 1-2 m
3.6’-11.5’ | 1.1-3.5 m (Diameter)
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm (Trunk)
20”-59” | 50-150 cm (Leaf)
King Sago
200.000
350.000
30.000
150.000
73000
GUIDE
3D
King Sago
40’-70’ | 12.2-21.3 m
20’-80’ | 6.1-24.4 m (Spread)
3.3’-8.2’ | 1-2.5 m (Trunk)
.08”-.2” | 2-5 mm (Leaf)
Monterey Cypress
2130.000
2440.000
250.000
0.500
3300
GUIDE
3D
Monterey Cypress

6”-12” | 15-30 cm
2’6”-4’6” | 76-137 cm (Spread)
Aussie Rambler
30.000
137.000
150
GUIDE
3D
Aussie Rambler
6”-12” | 15-30 cm
2’6”-4’6” | 76-137 cm (Spread)
Aussie Rambler (Hanging)
30.000
137.000
150
GUIDE
3D
Aussie Rambler (Hanging)
6”-18” | 15-45 cm
2’-4’ | 61-122 cm (Spread)
Blue Chalk Sticks
45.000
122.000
2700
GUIDE
3D
Blue Chalk Sticks
12’-20’ | 3.7-6.1 m
15.75’-19.4’ | 4.8-5.9 m (Spread)
23.6”-31.5” | 60-80 cm (Trunk)
10’-12’ | 3-3.7 m (Leaf)
Bottle Palm
610.000
590.000
80.000
370.000
20800
GUIDE
3D
Bottle Palm
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m
6.9’-12.8’ | 2.1-3.9 m (Diameter)
11.8”-31.5” | 30-80 cm (Trunk)
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Burrawang
200.000
390.000
80.000
200.000
700
GUIDE
3D
Burrawang
40’-70’ | 12.2-21.3 m
10’-15’ | 3-4.6 m (Spread)
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm (Trunk)
5’-7’ | 1.5-2.1 m (Leaf)
Cabbage Palm
2130.000
460.000
40.000
210.000
8900
GUIDE
3D
Cabbage Palm
32.8’-65.6’ | 10-20 m
19.7’-29.5’ | 6-9 m (Spread)
23.6”-47.2” | 60-120 cm (Trunk)
9.8’-19.7’ | 3-6 m (Leaf)
Canary Island Date Palm
2000.000
900.000
120.000
600.000
5900
GUIDE
3D
Canary Island Date Palm
10’-29.5’ | 3-9 m
6.6’-12.5’ | 2-3.8 m (Spread)
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm (Trunk)
3’-6’ | .9-1.8 m (Leaf)
Chinese Fan Palm
900.000
380.000
30.000
180.000
20300
GUIDE
3D
Chinese Fan Palm
65.6’-100’ | 20-30.5 m
22’-32.8’ | 6.7-10 m (Spread)
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm (Trunk)
13.1’-19.7’ | 4-6 m (Leaf)
Coconut Palm
3050.000
1000.000
45.000
600.000
6200
GUIDE
3D
Coconut Palm
8’-13.1’ | 2.4-4 m
11.5’-15.75’ | 3.5-4.8 m (Spread)
7.9”-9.8” | 20-25 cm (Trunk)
18”-24” | .45-.61 m (Leaf)
European Fan Palm
400.000
480.000
25.000
61.000
5200
GUIDE
3D
European Fan Palm
Flax
96000
3’-6’ | 91-183 cm
3’6”-7’ | 107-213 cm (Spread)
Flax
183.000
213.000
96000
GUIDE
3D
Flax
40’-70’ | 12.2-21.3 m
5’-10’ | 1.5-3 m (Spread)
1.6’-3.3’ | .5-1 m (Trunk)
.08”-.2” | 2-5 mm (Leaf)
Italian Cypress
2130.000
300.000
100.000
0.500
15500
GUIDE
3D
Italian Cypress
3.3’-6.6’ | 1-2 m
3.6’-11.5’ | 1.1-3.5 m (Diameter)
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm (Trunk)
20”-59” | 50-150 cm (Leaf)
King Sago
200.000
350.000
30.000
150.000
73000
GUIDE
3D
King Sago
40’-70’ | 12.2-21.3 m
20’-80’ | 6.1-24.4 m (Spread)
3.3’-8.2’ | 1-2.5 m (Trunk)
.08”-.2” | 2-5 mm (Leaf)
Monterey Cypress
2130.000
2440.000
250.000
0.500
3300
GUIDE
3D
Monterey Cypress