Coiled vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis, Sp. Pl.: 1015 (1753))

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1015 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Vallisneria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Indo-China and S. Africa

Description

Coiled Vallisneria, scientifically known as Vallisneria spiralis, is a fascinating aquatic plant that has captured the attention of botanists and aquarium enthusiasts alike since its first documented classification by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753. This plant, part of the Hydrocharitaceae family, showcases striking, coiled leaves that undulate gracefully in water, making it a visually appealing choice for aquascaping.

Native to a wide geographical range that stretches from Europe to Indo-China and extends down to Southern Africa, Coiled Vallisneria thrives in a variety of freshwater environments. This adaptability highlights the plant’s resilience and versatility, allowing it to establish itself in diverse aquatic ecosystems.

Typically found in slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and gentle streams, Vallisneria spiralis often forms dense underwater meadows. These lush growths play a crucial role in aquatic habitats by providing shelter and breeding grounds for various fish species, as well as serving as a food source for herbivorous aquatic animals.

The plant’s structure is well-suited to its environment; its coiled, ribbon-like leaves can reach impressive lengths, swaying with the currents and light penetration. These leaves are not only aesthetically pleasing but also efficient at oxygenating water and stabilizing sediments, contributing to the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Coiled Vallisneria is a popular choice for freshwater aquariums. Its low maintenance requirements and hardy nature make it an excellent option for both novice and experienced aquarists. When planted in an aquarium, this species provides a naturalistic look and creates a thriving environment conducive to the well-being of fish and other aquatic creatures.

Overall, Vallisneria spiralis stands out not only for its beauty and functionality in aquatic settings but also for its historical and botanical significance. Its extensive distribution and ecological versatility underscore a remarkable adaptability, making Coiled Vallisneria a true gem of the aquatic plant world.

Common Names

Deu: gewöhnliche wasserschraube, wasserschraube
Eng: tape grass, tapegrass, coiled vallisneria, eelgrass, eelweed, tape-grass, straight eelgrass, straight vallisneria
Nld: vallisneria
Hun: közönséges csavarhínár, óriás csavarhínár
Fra: vallisnérie, vallisnérie en spirale
Swe: vattenskruv
Nor: vindelnøck
Ces: zákruticha šroubovitá
Cym: rhuban y dŵr, ruban y dŵr
En: Coiled vallisneria, Eelgrass, Eelweed, Tape-grass, Tape grass, Tapegrass, Straight eelgrass, Straight vallisneria
Ca: Val·lisnèria
Cs: Zákruticha šroubovitá
Nl: Vallisneria
Fr: Vallisnérie, Vallisnérie en Spirale
De: Gewöhnliche Wasserschraube, Wasserschraube, Vallisnerie
He: וליסנריה סלולה
Hu: Közönséges csavarhínár, Óriás csavarhínár
It: Vallisneria
No: Vindelnøck
Sv: Vattenskruv
Cy: Rhuban y Dŵr, Ruban y Dŵr

Synonyms

• Vallisneria spiralis f. aethiopica ((Fenzl) T.Durand & Schinz)
• Vallisneria spiralis subvar. jacquinii ((Savi) Nyman)
• Vallisneria spiralis subvar. michelii ((Savi) Nyman)
• Vallisneria pusilla (Barbieri ex Bertol.)
• Vallisneria aethiopica (Fenzl)
• Vallisneria numidica (Pomel)
• Vallisneria jacquiniana (Spreng.)
• Vallisneria linnet (Bercht. & J.Presl)
• Vallisneria jacquinii (Savi)
• Vallisneria micheliana (Spreng.)
• Vallisneria michelii (Savi)
• Vallisneria spiralis var. numidica ((Pomel) Maire & Weiller)
• Vallisneria spiralis var. pusilla ((Barbieri ex Bertol.) Nyman)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Congo (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• France (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Greece (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Radoslav Marinkovic (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Daniel Bourget (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 22, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Michel GAUBERT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Daniel Grzebyk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Daniel Grzebyk (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2865526)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:431996-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Vallisneria spiralis L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 7