Posidonia oceanica is a marine plant that is very common in Menorca. Although many people call it a seaweed, it is in fact a plant. Posidonia’s natural habitat lies between 0 and 40 metres deep and, through the annual shedding of its leaves, it brings the banquettes (Posidonia leaves) to the beaches.
Posidonia banquettes are dark brown or black and build up in the wave-break areas along the shoreline. Thanks to them, beaches retain their sand, since these Posidonia formations cushion the force of the waves against the sand on the shore, especially during storms.
In addition to the banquettes that accumulate along the shoreline, the wind often blows some of the Posidonia towards the dune formations behind the bathing areas. The build-up of Posidonia on the dunes is good for the ecosystem, as it provides organic matter and stabilises the sand.
