Images
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Morphology
- Stem
- Stems absent. Roots 7-21 per thallus, to 1.2 inch.
- Leaves
- Leaves not clearly differentiated. Thallus usually asymmetric, somewhat discoid, flat or slighlty convex on lower surface, obovate to nearly round, 1/8 to 2/5 inch long, 1/10 to 1/3 inch wide, veins 7-16(-21).
- Inflorescence
- Inflorescences highly reduced and consisting of 1-2 staminate and 1 pistillate flowers sometimes subtended by a tiny membranous sheath, rarely produced in nature in some species, plants reproducing mosty asexually through formation of plantlets in pouches along margins of tallus.
- Flower
- Flowers seldom observed, unisexual, 1(-2) per thallus; sepals absent, petals absent; stamens 2; pistil 1.
- Fruit
- Utricles; seeds 1-3, longitudinally ribbed.
Ecology
- Habitat
- Ponds and lakes, marshes, backwater areas along rivers and streams, springs and spring runs
- Distribution
- Occurs statewide
Additional Notes
Comments
Flowering rarely in Kansas, July to September elsewhere.
Special Notes: Spirodela, cord and evident, alluding to the root, and polyrhiza, many and root.
Quick Facts
- Plant Type
- Wildflower
- Family
- Araceae - Arum Family
- Life Span
- Perennial
- Height
- Plants aquatic, sometimes stranded on mud
- Origin
- Native
- Last Updated
- 2014-04-27
Color Groups
White, Green & Greenish White Wildflowers
Flowering Period
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Blooms: July, August, September