Potamogeton coloratus Hornem

Family: POTAMOGETONACEAE

Genus: Potamogeton

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Some regions

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hydrophyte.

Habitats: Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Non-saline watercourses.

Characteristics: An aquatic plant that roots in the sedimwnt leaves are completely submerged, and are elongate or lanceolate; others float on the surface and are wide ovate or narrow lanceolate, all so thin that they are translucent. This last character distinguishes them from Potamogeton nodosus, which has opaque and hard leaves. The entire plant can take on a ruddy hue. The inflorescence emerges above water, with a short and compact spicule with only slightly apparent flowers. Likes best irrigation ditches with slow-flowing water. Flowers during April-May and also during the summer.