Shining pondweed (Potamogeton lucens, Sp. Pl.: 126 (1753))

Family: Potamogetonaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 126 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Potamogeton

Vegetable: False

Observations: Temp. Northern Hemisphere to Philippines

Description

Shining pondweed (Potamogeton lucens) is an aquatic plant known for its glossy, lance-shaped leaves that shimmer under the water surface. This striking feature not only gives the plant its common name but also makes it a distinctive and attractive species within its aquatic habitats.

Belonging to the family Potamogetonaceae, shining pondweed is found across a broad geographical range extending from the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere all the way to the Philippines. Its adaptability to various aquatic environments underscores its ecological versatility.

Typically, Potamogeton lucens thrives in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies, such as ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers. The plant’s submerged leaves are notable for their translucence, contributing to its sparkling appearance when light penetrates the water. These leaves can grow up to 15 cm in length, providing ample surface area for photosynthesis while also offering habitat and shelter for aquatic life.

One of the key characteristics of shining pondweed is its ability to coexist harmoniously with other aquatic plants, playing a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems. Its leaves serve as a substrate for numerous micro-organisms and contribute to the underwater food web, supporting a range of aquatic species from insects to fish.

First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Potamogeton lucens has been a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike. Its presence in an aquatic environment often indicates good water quality, making it a valuable species for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.

In summary, shining pondweed is not only a visually appealing aquatic plant but also an important component of freshwater biodiversitas. Its wide distribution and ecological functions highlight its significance in aquatic habitats around the world.

Common Names

Nor: blanktjønnaks, glinsende aborgrass
Dan: glinsende vandaks
Deu: glänzendes laichkraut
Eng: shining pondweed
Nob: blanktjernaks
Nno: blanktjørnaks, blanktjønnaks
Nld: glanzig fonteinkruid
Swe: grovnate, välkevita, glansnate
Fra: potamot à feuilles luisantes, potamot luisant
Fin: välkevita
Sme: fielbmávihti
Cym: dyfrllys disglair
En: Shining pondweed
Ar: ريم (رِيم)، حمول (حَمُول)
Be: Урэчнік бліскучы
Bg: Блестящ ръждавец
Ca: Potamogèton lluent
Zh: 光叶眼子菜
Cs: Rdest světlý
Da: Glinsende Vandaks
Nl: Glanzig fonteinkruid
Et: Läik-penikeel
Fi: Välkevita
Fr: Potamot Luisant, Potamot à feuilles luisantes, Potamot brillant
De: Glänzendes Laichkraut, Glanz-Laichkraut, Hechtkraut, Hechtlock, Spiegellaichkraut, Spiegelndes Laichkraut, Schweinfurths Laichkraut
He: נהרונית שקופה
It: Brasca trasparente, Erba tinca
Lt: Blizgančioji plūdė
Se: Fielbmávihti
No: Blanktjønnaks, Glinsende aborgrass
Nb: Blanktjernaks
Nn: Blanktjørnaks, Blanktjønnaks
Fa: بارهنگ آبی درخشان
Pl: Rdestnica połyskująca
Sv: Grovnate, Välkevita, Glansnate
Cy: Dyfrllys disglair

Synonyms

• Potamogeton lucens var. corniculatus (G.Mey.)
• Potamogeton corniculatus (Schur)
• Potamogeton zizii f. pulcherrimus (Hagstr.)
• Potamogeton lucens var. lancifolius (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Potamogeton lucens subsp. sinicus ((Migo) H.Hara)
• Potamogeton lucidus (Salisb.)
• Potamogeton lucens var. cornutus (Klett & Richt.)
• Spirillus lucens ((L.) Nieuwl.)
• Potamogeton lindenbergii (Lehm. ex Graebn.)
• Potamogeton lucens var. nudus (Gray)
• Potamogeton longifolius (J.Gay ex Poir.)
• Potamogeton zizii f. validus (Rchb.)
• Potamogeton nitens (Willd. ex Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Potamogeton lucens f. acuminatus ((Schumach.) Rchb.)
• Buccaferrea lucida (Bubani)
• Potamogeton lucens f. excelsus (Hagstr.)
• Potamogeton proteus zizii ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Potamogeton lucens var. zizii ((Koch ex Roth) Asch.)
• Potamogeton lucens subsp. macrophyllus ((Wolfg.) Nyman)
• Potamogeton lucens f. ovalifolius ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Rchb.)
• Spirillus zizii ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Nieuwl.)
• Potamogeton lucens var. longifolius ((J.Gay ex Poir.) Crép.)
• Potamogeton volhynicus (Besser ex Roem. & Schult.)
• Potamogeton lucens f. insignis (Tiselius)
• Potamogeton lucens subsp. vaginans (Bojer ex A.Benn.)
• Potamogeton lucens f. longifolius ((J.Gay ex Poir.) Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Potamogeton zizii (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Potamogeton lucens var. insignis ((Tiselius) Druce)
• Potamogeton lucens var. diversifolius (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Potamogeton lucens var. rotundifolius (Klett & Richt.)
• Potamogeton angustifolius (Bercht. & J.Presl ex Opiz)
• Potamogeton coriaceus ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Fryer)
• Potamogeton rotundifolius (Schultz)
• Potamogeton cornutus (J.Presl & C.Presl)
• Potamogeton lucens var. fluviatilis (Thore)
• Potamogeton sinicus (Migo)
• Potamogeton gramineus subsp. zizii ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) K.Richt.)
• Potamogeton gaudichaudii (Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Potamogeton lucens var. ovalifolius (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Potamogeton macrophyllus (Wolfg.)
• Potamogeton pseudolongifolius (Papch.)
• Potamogeton lucens f. lancifolius ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Rchb.)
• Potamogeton lucens f. coriaceus ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Nolte ex Rchb.)
• Potamogeton proteus lucens ((L.) Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Potamogeton caudatus (Seidl ex Opiz)
• Potamogeton lucens subsp. longifolius ((Poir.) Magnin)
• Potamogeton lucens subsp. zizii ((Mert. & W.D.J.Koch) Nyman)
• Potamogeton lucens var. coriaceus (Mert. & W.D.J.Koch)
• Potamogeton zizii var. validus (Fieber)
• Potamogeton lucens var. acuminatus ((Schumach.) Fr.)
• Potamogeton lucens subvar. insignis ((Tiselius) Graebn.)
• Potamogeton lucens var. fluitans (Coss. & Germ.)
• Potamogeton proteus (Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Potamogeton lucens var. angustifolius (Gray)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Assam (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chad (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Chita (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Hungary (native)
• India (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Marianas (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Somalia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Sep 15, 1987 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Gontarczyk Kacper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2019 by Hayley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 27, 2020 by kiki verin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Jean-Michel Faton (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 28, 2022 by Patrice Bracquart (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Lirim Ballazhi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Jul 28, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 10, 2020 by Allan Pujazon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

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

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

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

Taken Jul 3, 1881 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 1853 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (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.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:208858-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5301141)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Potamogeton lucens L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 9

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

Soil nutriments: 7