Isoetes velatum A. Braun subsp. velatum

Spice In the field

Family: ISOETACEAE

Genus: Isoetes

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. Girona.

Distribution in the islands: Menorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): West Mediterranean

IUCN Category: VUVulnerable

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Geophyte.

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

Characteristics: One of the rarest Isoetes, can only be found on the island of Menorca, generally in ponds and standing water, that is to say flooded areas, although by the end of spring there may be no water left. Can be told apart from other Isoetes species by the adornments of the microspheres, but it is also larger with longer leaves, up to 30 cm. Fructifies at the end of spring and during the summer.