Leaf dimensions of transplants of Thalassia testudinum in a Mexican Caribbean reef lagoon

Abstract

Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König in a Mexican Caribbean reef lagoon showed considerable differences in leaf length and width between three sampling stations. A reciprocal transplantation experiment between these stations was completed in July 1991. After one and a half years of observation, no significant differences in leaf length were recorded among the transplants from different origins. Although differences in leaf width diminished between the transplants from different origins, leaf width showed less plasticity than leaf length, and at one station, significant small differences were still evident after 2 years.