Unraveling the phylogeny of seagrass species in Seriwe Bay, Lombok, Indonesia: Evidence from rbcL gene

Seagrasses are essential marine plants that provide essential services, including nutrient cycling, food, carbon sequestration, and habitats for many organisms. However, they are increasingly threatened by habitat degradation and anthropogenic activity. Unfortunately, data on seagrass diversity and phylogenetics in Seriwe Bay, Lombok Island, is limited. This study aims to assess seagrass diversity and examine evolutionary links through rbc L gene sequences. Seven species of seagrass were identified: Enhalus acoroides, Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isoetifolium, Halodule pinifolia, Halophila spinulosa, Cymodocea rotundata, and Cymodocea serrulata . Phylogenetic analysis identified six clades associated with two families: Hydrocharitaceae ( E. acoroides, H. ovalis ) and Cymodoceaceae ( C. serrulata, C. rotundata, S. isoetifolium, H. pinifolia ), with bootstrap values more than 90 whereas Halophila spinulosa cannot be detected by rbc L. These findings expand our understanding of seagrass biodiversity and are crucial for developing more effective conservation strategies in the region. © 2026 Elsevier Inc.