Home | > | List of families | > | Alismataceae | > | Alisma | > | plantago-aquatica |
Synonyms: | |
Common names: | Common water-plantain (English) |
Frequency: | Occasional |
Status: | Introduced |
Description: |
Perennial aquatic herb, up to 1m, submerged or emergent. Leaves erect in a basal tuft. Flowers in a tall open panicle, white. |
Notes: | The plants are eaten by birds, not digesting and spreading the seeds. Seeds also float and dispersed by water. |
Derivation of specific name: | |
Habitat: | Around Harare in permanent shallow water, rarely on seasonally dry land. |
Altitude range: (metres) | 1500 m (approx) |
Flowering time: | Sep - Mar |
Worldwide distribution: | Known from all temperate regions of the world and mountainous areas in East Africa. Introduced in Angola, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Its true origins are uncertain. |
Zimbabwe distribution: | C |
Growth form(s): | Perennial. |
Endemic status: | |
Red data list status: | |
Insects associated with this species: | |
Spot characters: | Display spot characters for this species |
Images last updated: | Sunday 16 April 2006 |
Literature: |
Biegel, H.M. (1977). Check-list of ornamental plants used in Rhodesian parks and gardens. Rhodesia Agricultural Journal. Research Report No. 3. Page 21. Carter, S. (1960). Alismataceae Flora of Tropical East Africa Pages 5 - 6. (Includes a picture). Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) (2004). A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 84. Martins, E.S. & Catarino, L. (2009). Alismataceae Flora Zambesiaca 12(2) Pages 2 - 3. (Includes a picture). Pooley, E. (1998). A Field Guide to the Wild Flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Region. Natal Flora Publications Trust. Durban. Pages 84 - 85. (Includes a picture). Setshogo, M.P. (2005). Preliminary checklist of the plants of Botswana. Sabonet Report no. 37. Sabonet, Pretoria and Gaborone Page 112. |
Home | > | List of families | > | Alismataceae | > | Alisma | > | plantago-aquatica |