Salvinia natans
Floating fern | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Division: | Polypodiophyta |
Class: | Polypodiopsida |
Order: | Salviniales |
Family: | Salviniaceae |
Genus: | Salvinia |
Species: | S. natans
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Binomial name | |
Salvinia natans | |
Synonyms | |
Salvinia natans (commonly known as floating fern,
Characteristics
Salvinia natans has two nickel-sized leaves lying flat against the surface of the water, and a third submerged leaf which functions as a root. Flotation is made possible by pouches of air within the leaves. Cuticular papillae on the leaves' surface keep water from interfering with the leaves' functioning, and serve to protect them from decay. Spore cases form at the plant's base for reproduction.[4]
The leaves of S. natans block sunlight from reaching very far underwater. This is helpful to many freshwater fish, providing safe hiding places to breed in, but can interrupt the photosynthesis of many underwater plants. S. natans can eventually cover entire ponds or lakes without ecological competition, starving other plant species.[4]
Native distribution
Salvinia natans is widely distributed, being native to several continents. In Africa, S. natans is native to
Gallery
References
- ^ Allen, D.J. (2011). "Salvinia natans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T163996A5688211. Retrieved 15 April 2024.
- ^ This species was first described and named in Flora Pedemontana 2. 289. 1785.; and in Bak. Hdb. 135. NPfl. 402. 1785 "Plant Name Details for Salvinia natans". IPNI. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
Distribution: Eur. centr.-China bor.-India.
- ^ a b "Salvinia natans". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
- ^ a b c d Joyce McCauley (April 30, 2001). "Salvinia natans". Washington, Pennsylvanian: Washington and Jefferson College. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
- ^ a b "Profile for Salvinia natans (Floating fern)". PLANTS Database. USDA, NRCS. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
- ^ "Salvinia Natans". It's a Fishy Buziness. Retrieved May 9, 2011.
- ^ Out, W.A. 2010. The occurrence of Salvinia natans in the Netherlands during the middle Holocene. In: Bakels, C.C., Fennema, K., Out, W.A., Vermeeren, C. (Eds), Of plants and snails. Leiden, Sidestone Press, pp. 207-217.