Soft hornwort (Ceratophyllum submersum, Sp. pl. ed. 2, 2:1409. 1763)

Family: Ceratophyllaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. ed. 2, 2:1409. 1763

Year: 1763

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ceratophyllum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to C. Asia, Trop. Africa to Arabian Pen.

Description

Soft hornwort, scientifically known as Ceratophyllum submersum, is an intriguing aquatic plant recognized for its distinct morphological characteristics and extensive geographical distribution. It is a member of the Ceratophyllaceae family, which encompasses a variety of submerged plants commonly found in freshwater environments.

This species can be observed thriving in a range covering Europe to Central Asia and extending from Tropical Africa to the Arabian Peninsula. Such a widespread distribution underscores its adaptability to various climatic and ecological conditions. The soft hornwort is most commonly found in still or slow-moving waters where it forms dense submerged mats that play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems.

Characterized by its thin and delicate, whorled leaves, the soft hornwort provides an important habitat and nursery for a multitude of aquatic organisms. Its intricate, feathery foliage offers an excellent refuge for small fish and invertebrates, helping to bolster biodiversity within aquatic habitats. Additionally, the plant acts as a natural water purifier, aiding in the stabilization of water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and offering oxygenation.

The historical botanical documentation of Ceratophyllum submersum dates back to 1763, as recorded in the second edition of “Species Plantarum” (Sp. pl. ed. 2, 2:1409. 1763) by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, denoted by the author abbreviation “L.” in scientific literature. Linnaeus’s comprehensive taxonomy laid the groundwork for modern botanical nomenclature and classification.

Soft hornwort is particularly noted for its resilience and ability to thrive in nutrient-rich waters where other plants might struggle. It lacks true roots, instead anchoring itself loosely to the substrate or floating freely, absorbing nutrients directly through its stem and leaves. This unique adaptation allows it to survive in a variety of aquatic environments, from clear, pristine lakes to more turbid, eutrophic waters.

In aquatic horticulture and aquariums, soft hornwort is prized for its ease of cultivation and beneficial properties. It is frequently used by aquarists to control algae growth and maintain ecological balance within tanks.

In summary, Ceratophyllum submersum or soft hornwort is a vital component of its ecosystem, contributing both to the physical structure of aquatic habitats and to the ecological processes that sustain them. Its extensive range and historical significance make it a fascinating subject for further botanical and ecological study.

Common Names

Dan: tornløs hornblad
Nor: vorteblad
Deu: zartes hornblatt
Fra: cératophylle submergé, cornifle submergé
Nld: fijn hoornblad
Lav: pusgrimusi raglape
Eng: soft hornwort, spineless hornwort
Swe: vårtsärv
Nob: vorteblad
Nno: vorteblad
Cym: cyrnddail meddal, cyrnddail trifforch
Spa: hierba laguna
Kat: რქაფოთოლა
En: Soft hornwort, Spineless Hornwort
Ar: شمبلان غارق
Be: Рагаліснік напаўапушчаны
Bg: Потопен роголистник
Zh: 细金鱼藻
Hr: Mekana voščika
Cs: Růžkatec bradavčitý
Da: Tornløs Hornblad
Nl: Fijn hoornblad
Et: Sile kardhein
Fi: Hentokarvalehti
Fr: Cornifle submergé, Cératophylle Submergé, Cératophylle inerme
Ka: Რქაფოთოლა
De: Glattes Hornblatt, Zartes Hornblatt
He: קרנן טבול
It: Ceratofillo sommerso
Lv: Pusgrimusi raglape
Lt: Gležnalapė nertis
No: Vorteblad
Nb: Vorteblad
Nn: Vorteblad
Pl: Rogatek krótkoszyjkowy
Ru: Роголистник полупогружённый
Es: Hierba Laguna
Sv: Vårtsärv
Cy: Cyrnddail meddal, Cyrnddail Trifforch

Synonyms

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chad (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Oman (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Finland (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Leaf

Taken Sep 18, 2020 by Gach Arina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Feb 6, 2022 by Emanuele Bernardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Richard Thomas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2019 by Bonk Agata (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 9, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Guillaume MONIEZ (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

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

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

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

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

Taken Aug 19, 1877 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 1904 by Tela Botanica − Anne-Marie GRIMAUD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 1851 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Guillaume MONIEZ (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:163088-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882404)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ceratophyllum submersum L.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 6

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 1