Family: Alismataceae
Author: (L.) Parl.
Bibliography: Nuov. Gen. Sp. Monocot.: 58 (1854)
Year: 1854
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Baldellia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Azores, Europe to Medit.
Description
Lesser-water-plantain, scientifically known as Baldellia ranunculoides, is a captivating aquatic plant belonging to the Alismataceae family. First described in 1854, this perennial herb boasts a notable presence in the flora of the Azores, Europe, and extending to the Mediterranean regions.
Baldellia ranunculoides thrives in wetland habitats, such as marshes, pond margins, and slow-flowing water bodies. Its ecological preference for saturated environments highlights its important role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. The slender, delicate nature of the plant adds an airy grace to its surroundings, making it a lovely yet unobtrusive component of wetland flora.
A lesser-water-plantain exhibits small, charming flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn. These flowers, typically a pinkish-white hue, are arranged in whorls on a long, leafless stalk, giving them an elegant and buoyant appearance as they lightly drape over the water. The plant’s foliage consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves that emerge from the base, often floating or extending slightly above the water’s surface.
The plant’s discovery and naming trace back to the efforts of botanists in the mid-19th century, with the nomenclature “Nuov. Gen. Sp. Monocot.: 58 (1854)” acknowledging its formal introduction to botanical literature. The species epithet “ranunculoides” hints at its resemblance to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), particularly in its floral structure and growth habit.
Lesser-water-plantain is not just a visual delight; it plays an essential role in its habitat. It provides cover and breeding grounds for a variety of aquatic organisms, and its presence indicates a healthy, well-balanced aquatic environment. Additionally, like many wetland plants, it contributes to the stabilization of soil and sediment, aiding in shoreline protection and water quality improvement.
In the context of conservation, Baldellia ranunculoides serves as a reminder of the delicate balance within wetland ecosystems. Protecting these habitats ensures the survival of such species and the myriad of life forms that depend on them.
In summary, the lesser-water-plantain is a noteworthy species with serene beauty and significant ecological value. Its subtle charm, coupled with its role in aquatic habitats, underscores the importance of conservation efforts to preserve such integral components of biodiversity.
Common Names
Dan: almindelig søpryd, søpryd
Deu: igelschlauch
Eng: lesser waterplantain, lesser-water-plantain, lesser water-plantain, crowfoot-alisma
Swe: flocksvalting
Nld: moerasweegbree, stijve en kruipende moerasweegbree
Fra: baldellie fausse-renoncule, alisma fausse renoncule, flûteau fausse renoncule
Nob: skjermsoleigro
Nno: skjermsoleigro
Spa: baldèllia, llantén de agua menor
Cym: dyfr-lyriad bychan, dŵr-lyriad bychan, llyren fechan, llyriad-y-dŵr bach
En: Lesser-water-plantain, Lesser waterplantain, Crowfoot-Alisma, Lesser Water-plantain
Be: Бальдэлія казельцападобная
Ca: Baldèl·lia
Hr: Žabnjačka kornjašica
Da: Almindelig søpryd, Søpryd
Nl: Stijve en Kruipende moerasweegbree, Moerasweegbree, Kleine Moerasweegbree
Fi: Pystysarjasarpio
Fr: Alisma Fausse Renoncule, Baldellie fausse-renoncule, Flûteau fausse renoncule, Baldellie fausse renoncule, Flûteau fausse-renoncule
De: Igelschlauch, Hahnenfußähnlicher Igelschlauch
It: Mestolaccia ranunculoides, Mestolaccia ranunculoide
Nb: Skjermsoleigro
Nn: Skjermsoleigro
Pl: Żabienica jaskrowata
Pt: Baldélia-ranunculada
Es: Baldèllia, Llantén de Agua Menor
Sv: Flocksvalting
Cy: Llyriad-y-dŵr bach, Dyfr-Lyriad Bychan, Dŵr-Lyriad Bychan, Llyren Fechan
Synonyms
- Echinodorus ranunculoides ((L.) Engelm.)
- Sagittaria ranunculodes ((L.) Kuntze)
- Alisma ranunculoides (L.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Baleares (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- Denmark (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Italy (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Norway (native)
- Poland (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Newfoundland (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Klaas Everards (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2021 by Klaas Everards (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 22, 2019 by gryyk (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 14, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 22, 2022 by Easger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2019 by galtzagorri (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 26, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken May 31, 1849 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Aug 22, 2022 by Easger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken May 10, 2022 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© 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/2864546)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:58276-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Baldellia ranunculoides (L.) Parl.)