Potamogeton natans

Potamogeton natans
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Alismatales
Family: Potamogetonaceae
Genus: Potamogeton
Species:
P. natans
Binomial name
Potamogeton natans

Potamogeton natans, commonly known as broad-leaved pondweed,[2] floating pondweed,[3] or floating-leaf pondweed, is an aquatic species in the genus Potamogeton native to quiet or slow-flowing freshwater habitats throughout the Holarctic Kingdom.

Description

Floating leaves

It produces both floating and submersed leaves on the same plant. The floating leaves are ovate to oblong-ovate and almost always cordate at the base. They are dark green, leathery, opaque, with translucent longitudinal veins. They are 5 to 10 cm long, pointed at the tips, and rounded at the base.

The stipules are 4 to 17 cm long.

The submerged grass-like structures are called phyllodes, are actually modified leaf stalks.

The stems are cylindrical, without many branches, and grow from 1 to 2 metres.

The main difference between this species and other pondweeds is a discoloured flexible joint just below the top of the long leaf stalk.

The flower spikes are dense, and cylindrical. They are 5 to 10 cm long, pointed at the tip and rounded at the base. It flowers from May to September.

The fruits are 4 to 5 mm long and obovate.[4]

References

  1. ^ Gupta, A.K. (2013). "Potamogeton natans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T164479A19495876. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T164479A19495876.en. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
  2. ^ BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  3. ^ NRCS. "Potamogeton natans". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  4. ^ Rose, Francis (2006). The Wild Flower Key. Frederick Warne & Co. pp. 490–491. ISBN 978-0-7232-5175-0.
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