Ceratophyllum demersum L.

Spice In the field

Family: CERATOPHYLLACEAE

Genus: Ceratophyllum

Catalan common name: Coa de mart.

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

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Cosmopolitan and subcosmopolitan

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hydrophyte.

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

Characteristics: Plant that lives completely submerged in canals and lagoons. It physiognomy resembles more that of an alga then a higher plant as the stem is not rigid and the leaves are have transformed into rigid filiform structures that undergo dichotomous division and are grouped in whorls. The inflorescences are formed at the top of the stems, above water. Can be distinguished from Ceratophyllum submersum, a much more rare species, as the leaves are only divided 1-2 times, while the later is divided 3-4 times. Flowers in May and during the summer.