Plants in danger of extinction in the Mediterranean

Posidonia (Posidonia oceanica)

According to Greek mythology, the nereids, half-woman, half-fish, were the protectors of the ocean. It was one of these creatures, daughter of the god Poseidon and the nymph Halia, who was entrusted with the mission of caring for an aquatic plant that would change the course of history. But before revealing the meaning of this fascinating legend, here’s a fact: the IUCN Red List states that, at present, most of the plants in danger of extinction in Spain are endemic or native. This is the case of Posidonia oceanica, a species that is only found in the Mediterranean. Indeed, this species shares its name with its guardian mermaid in the myth. It is found throughout the Mediterranean, in particular, it creates the underwater meadows in front of beaches and coves in areas such as the Balearic Islands, where it ensures the health of the coasts with its mere presence, as it acts as a barrier against erosion. Moreover, within its ecosystem, many animals and plants live thanks to the food and protection it provides them.