Family: Cabombaceae
Author: A.Gray
Bibliography: Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 4: 47 (1837)
Year: 1837
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cabomba
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: C. & E. U.S.A. to NE. Mexico, Brazil to C. Argentina
Description
Carolina water-shield, known scientifically as Cabomba caroliniana, is an aquatic plant noted for its role in diverse ecosystems and ornamental aquascaping. Described by the renowned botanist A. Gray in 1837 in the “Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York,” this plant has piqued the interest of botanists and hobbyists alike.
Description:
This submerged perennial is distinguished by its delicate, fan-shaped leaves that create a feathery appearance under water. The leaves are finely divided and often appear in a vibrant green hue, providing a lush, natural look in aquatic environments. Emerging from the water surface, the plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that can range in color from white to pale yellow.
Habitat and Distribution:
Cabomba caroliniana thrives in freshwater environments, predominantly in slow-moving water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and streams. Its native range spans across the central and eastern United States, extending down to northeastern Mexico, and further south into Brazil and central Argentina. This extensive distribution illustrates the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and water qualities.
Ecological Role:
In its natural habitat, Carolina water-shield plays a significant role. It offers shelter and breeding grounds for aquatic invertebrates and small fish. Furthermore, its dense foliage can assist in reducing algal blooms by absorbing excess nutrients from the water, contributing to a balanced aquatic ecosystem.
Cultivation and Use:
Due to its decorative foliage, Cabomba caroliniana is a popular choice for aquariums and water gardens. Aquarists value it not only for its beauty but also for its ability to oxygenate water and provide a habitat for fry and shrimplets. However, care must be taken to manage its growth, as it can become invasive in certain regions outside its native range, potentially disrupting local ecosystems.
Conservation Notes:
Though generally widespread, the invasive nature of Carolina water-shield in non-native areas calls for awareness and responsible management. It is essential for hobbyists and environmental managers to monitor and control its spread to prevent ecological imbalance.
In conclusion, Cabomba caroliniana is a fascinating plant with versatile uses and significant ecological contributions. Understanding its characteristics and growth habits can help in utilizing this plant effectively while mitigating any potential environmental impacts.
Common Names
Fra: cabomba, cabomba de caroline
Eng: carolina water-shield, carolina fanwort, washington-grass, washington-plant, fanwort, fish-grass, carolina water shield, carolina watershield
Deu: carolina-haarnixe, karolina-haarnixe
Dan: carolina-cabomba, grøn cabomba
Nld: waterwaaier
Por: cabomba-verde
Swe: kabomba, cabomba
Cym: tarian-y-dŵr carolina
En: Carolina Water-shield, Carolina fanwort, Washington-grass, Washington-plant, Fanwort, Fish-grass, Carolina Water Shield, Carolina watershield
Da: Carolina-cabomba, Grøn cabomba
Nl: Waterwaaier
Fr: Cabomba, Cabomba de Caroline, Éventail de Caroline
De: Carolina-Haarnixe, Karolina-Haarnixe
Pt: Cabomba-verde
Sv: Kabomba, Cabomba
Cy: Tarian-y-Dŵr Carolina
: Carolina water-shield
Synonyms
- Nectris caroliniana ((A.Gray) Steud.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina South (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- China North-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Poland (introduced)
- Romania (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 29, 2021 by Renato Samperio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Moonen Juriaan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Emanuele Bernardo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Lydie DUFEU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Lydie DUFEU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Lydie DUFEU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Lydie DUFEU (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Barbara Norman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Patrick Chevallier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2020 by taywan luna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Lydie DUFEU (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 10, 2021 by Villaseñor Alan (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Oct 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882443)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:273581-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cabomba caroliniana A.Gray)