Taxonomic revisions in Zosteraceae (Zostera, Nanozostera, Heterozostera and Phyllospadix)

Advances in research reveal multiple lines of evidence for monophyletic evolution of three genera in the Zosteraceae. Our review synthesizes results from several fields of seagrass research, including taxonomy, biogeography, anatomy, pathology, phylogeny, and physiology to demonstrate distinct and redundant divergences among Zosteraceae genera and across multiple measures. These data provide substantial biological and ecological support for conserving four distinct genera in the family Zosteraceae: Phyllospadix, Zostera, Nanozostera, and Heterozostera. We expect recognizing the four-genera concept to improve the resolution of coastal ecological research, including global seagrass conservation and restoration efforts.