Limosella aquatica L.

Nomenclature

Limosella aquatica, officially Limosella aquatica L., is a widespread flowering plant species in the figwort family, commonly called water mudwort.

Native Range

It is native to large portions of the temperate world, and grows in many types of wet habitat.

Habitat Type

This semiaquatic plant can grow in moist land habitats like meadows, in mud and wet sand alongside water, and also grows partly submerged or floating in water.

Growth Form

It is a fleshy annual herb that forms low tufts in muddy substrates.

Leaf Structure

Each leaf consists of a petiole that can reach up to 30 centimetres (12 inches) long, though it is typically much shorter, tipped with a flat, spoon-shaped blade up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long.

Inflorescence and Flower

The inflorescence is an erect stalk that holds a single tiny flower, which ranges from white to pink- or blue-tinted, and is about 2 millimetres (0.08 in) wide.

Fruit and Seeds

The fruit produced is a capsule up to 5 mm (0.20 in) wide that holds many tiny seeds.