Comb anchor

The hooked base of a wireweed seedling is known as a comb anchor. When this seagrass reproduces, the seeds germinate and remain attached to the plant for up to 12 months, until they are the size of a small seedling with only a couple leaves. When the seedling is released, the hook at the base of the plant is used to attach itself to the sea floor – but sometimes they do not attach and are washed ashore.