Shetland pondweed (Potamogeton rutilus, J.A.Schultes & J.H.Schultes, Mant. 3: 362 (1827))

Family: Potamogetonaceae

Author: Wolfg.

Bibliography: J.A.Schultes & J.H.Schultes, Mant. 3: 362 (1827)

Year: 1827

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potamogeton

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Siberia and N. Mongolia

Description

Shetland pondweed, known scientifically as Potamogeton rutilus, was first described in 1827 by notable botanists J.A. Schultes & J.H. Schultes, documented in their publication Mant. 3. A member of the Potamogetonaceae family, this aquatic plant is distinguished by its delicate, submerged leaves which create a lush, green habitat within various water bodies.

Native to a broad geographical region, Shetland pondweed can be found across Europe extending eastward to Siberia and northern Mongolia. This widespread distribution underscores the plant’s adaptability to different climatic conditions and water environments, ranging from temperate to subarctic.

Shetland pondweed thrives in freshwater systems such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, where it plays a crucial role in the aquatic ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for numerous aquatic organisms, including invertebrates and small fish. Additionally, its presence enhances water quality by stabilizing sediment and oxygenating water through photosynthesis.

Despite its ecological contributions, Potamogeton rutilus has yet to become a common sight outside its natural range. Continuous study and observation, especially focusing on its distribution and ecological impact, will further elucidate the importance of Shetland pondweed within its native habitats, ensuring that this fascinating plant is recognized and preserved for its environmental value.

Common Names

Deu: rötliches laichkraut
Dan: rødlig vandaks
Nor: stivtjønnaks
Lav: iesarta glivene
Eng: shetland pondweed
Nno: stivtjønnaks, stivtjørnaks
Swe: styvnate
Sme: čáresvihti
Cym: dyfrllys shetland, dyfrllys yr ynysoedd
Gla: lìobhag ruadh
En: Shetland Pondweed
Be: Урэчнік чырванаваты
Da: Rødlig vandaks
Et: Punakas penikeel
Fi: Jouhivita
Fr: Potamot roux, Potamot rougeâtre
De: Rötliches Laichkraut
Lv: Iesarta glivene
Se: Čáresvihti
No: Stivtjønnaks
Nn: Stivtjønnaks, Stivtjørnaks
Pl: Rdestnica błyszcząca
Gd: Lìobhag Ruadh
Sv: Styvnate
Cy: Dyfrllys Shetland, Dyfrllys yr Ynysoedd
: Shetland pondweed

Synonyms

• Potamogeton grisebachii (Heuff.)
• Potamogeton pusillus var. reptans ((Humn.) Rouy)
• Potamogeton rutilus f. simplicissimus (Tiselius)
• Potamogeton rutilus var. reptans ((Humn.) Nyman)
• Potamogeton cespitosus (Rchb.f.)
• Potamogeton reptans (Humn.)
• Potamogeton rutilus var. grisebachii ((Heuff.) Nyman)

Distribution

• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Aug 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8295923)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:603395-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potamogeton rutilus Wolfg.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Soil nutriments: 5