Roots in 2 distinct groups of 4–8 at each node. Leaf sheath 1–12 cm long, persistent as scaly mass. Leaves 2–6 per shoot, 5–40 cm long, 1.5–4.5 mm wide; apex truncate; major longitudinal veins 3 or 5. Generative branches 10–50 cm long, with numerous spathes. Spadix linear to spathulate; with 7–10 broadly triangular bracts, each enclosing an anther. Flowers and fruits ?Aug.–Feb.
GipP, OtP, EGL. Also SA, Qld, NSW, LHI. Occurs in shallow coastal waters to a dept of c. 5 m, on mud and sand. Recorded from seagrass meadows in Wingan Inlet and as sea-drift at Manns Beach (just east of Corner Inlet).
This species closely resembles Zostera muelleri, differing from it in having leaves with a truncate apex and 3 or 5 major longitudinal veins (the lateral ones on either side of the central vein mostly well-spaced from the marginal veins). It occurs from tropical Qld to near the the NSW-Vic. border. See note under Z. muelleri.
