Family: Alismataceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10. 2: 1270 (1759)
Year: 1759
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sagittaria
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: SE. U.S.A. to Trop. America
Description
The Lance-leaf arrowhead, scientifically known as Sagittaria lancifolia, is a notable species within the Alismataceae family. First described in the 10th edition of “Systema Naturae” in 1759 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this plant has captivated the attention of botanists and naturalists for centuries.
This perennial aquatic plant is native to the southeastern United States, extending its reach down to tropical America. Renowned for its arrow-shaped leaves, it thrives in marshes, swamps, and along the edges of ponds and waterways. The leaves are typically lanceolate, giving the plant its common name due to their distinct shape.
Sagittaria lancifolia is ecologically significant in wetlands where it plays an essential role in providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife. Its ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it a crucial component in the stabilization of soil, reducing erosion, and contributing to the water quality of its habitat by filtering pollutants.
Beyond its ecological importance, the Lance-leaf arrowhead has also been used in traditional medicine by various indigenous cultures. However, it remains primarily of interest to botanists and ecologists for its unique adaptations and contributions to wetland ecosystems.
Overall, Sagittaria lancifolia is a remarkable example of nature’s intricate designs, embodying the beauty and functionality of wetland flora. Its presence in diverse regions from the southeastern U.S.A. to tropical America underscores its wide adaptability and enduring significance in natural habitats.
Common Names
Eng: bulltongue, bulltongue arrowhead, lance-leaf arrowhead, scythefruit arrowhead
Por: golfe
Deu: lanzettblättriges pfeilkraut
En: Lance-leaf arrowhead, Bulltongue arrowhead, Arrowhead, Lanceleaf Arrowhead, Scythefruit arrowhead, Bull-Tongue Arrowhead, BULLTONGUE
Ar: سهم الماء سناني الأوراق
De: Lanzettblättriges Pfeilkraut
Pt: Golfe
Th: อเมซอนใบพาย
Synonyms
- Drepachenia lancifolia ((L.) Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Jawa (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 4, 2022 by rappaz bernard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 23, 2019 by Ana Vilma Gómez (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2012 by EOL − Bob Peterson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2018 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 1, 2014 by EOL − Mary Keim (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 29, 2015 by EOL − Dan Nydick (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Alexander Rodríguez (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Anna Cicilian (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 11, 2020 by Nuñez Florencia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2022 by Jarod Dedeo (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 1, 2020 by Lars Lars Bosma (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5328895)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:58516-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sagittaria lancifolia L.)