Family: Ceratophyllaceae
Ceratophyllum demersum
Citation:
L., Sp. Pl. 992 (1753). Hornwort.
Synonymy: Not Applicable Common name: None
Description:
Stems 30-60 cm long, herbaceous; leaves 1.5-4 cm long; leaf segments denticulate, dark-green.
Flowers greenish; c. 1 mm long.
Fruit ovoid, 4-5 mm long, black, with 2 basal spines and surmounted by the spine-like persistent style.
| Ceratophyllum demersum twig, fruit, male flower, female flower and leaf.
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Image source: fig 199 in Jessop J.P. & Toelken H.R. (Ed.) 1986. Flora of South Australia (4th edn).
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Published illustration:
Cunningham et al. (1982) Plants of western New South Wales, p. 308.
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Distribution:
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One record, 1957, was from near Lake Alexandrina; all others were from the Murray River.
S.Aust.: MU, SL, SE. Qld; N.S.W.; Vic. widespread especially in the Northern Hemisphere.
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Conservation status:
native
Flowering time: probably in summer.
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SA Distribution Map based
on current data relating to
specimens held in the
State Herbarium of South Australia
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Biology:
No text
Taxonomic notes:
Wilmot-Dear (1985), Ken Bull. 40: 243-271, recognised several varieties and forms. No fruits are available from S.Aust. to determine the identity of the form here.
Author:
Not yet available
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