Spring quillwort (Isoetes echinospora, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 8: 164 (1861))

Family: Isoetaceae

Author: Durieu

Bibliography: Bull. Soc. Bot. France 8: 164 (1861)

Year: 1861

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Isoetes

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Siberia

Description

Spring quillwort, scientifically named Isoetes echinospora, is a fascinating aquatic plant belonging to the family Isoetaceae. This unique species was first described by Durieu in 1861, with its description published in “Bull. Soc. Bot. France 8: 164.”

Characterized by its grass-like appearance, Spring quillwort thrives in a variety of aquatic environments across Europe to Siberia. It is commonly found in shallow freshwater bodies such as lakes, ponds, and streams. The plant’s life cycle is closely tied to seasonal changes, emerging in the springtime, which is reflected in its common name.

The leaves of Isoetes echinospora are slender and elongated, resembling quills—hence the name quillwort. These leaves are typically green and can grow in dense clusters, providing a lush underwater habitat. Despite its simple appearance, Spring quillwort plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, contributing to oxygenation of the water and offering cover for aquatic organisms.

The plant reproduces through spores rather than seeds, a method common among primitive vascular plants. These spores are produced in structures called sporangia, which are located at the base of the leaves. The sporangia of Isoetes echinospora are characterized by their distinctive echinate (spiny) structure, a feature that helps differentiate it from other quillwort species.

Spring quillwort’s wide distribution from Europe to Siberia highlights its adaptability to various climatic conditions. However, like many aquatic plants, it is susceptible to changes in water quality and habitat disruption. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the preservation of its natural habitats, allowing this ancient plant lineage to continue thriving.

In summary, Isoetes echinospora or Spring quillwort is a remarkable aquatic plant with a rich history and a vital role in its ecosystem, documented by Durieu in the mid-19th century. Its presence across a vast geographical range from Europe to Siberia underscores its ecological significance and adaptive prowess.

Common Names

Sme: čuvgesnjuovvi
Dan: gulgrøn brasenføde
Deu: igelsporiges brachsenkraut, stachelsporiges brachsenkraut, igelsporen-brachsenkraut
Eng: spiny-spore quillwort, isoète à spores épineuses, spring quillwort, spiny-spored quillwort, bristlelike quillwort, spinose-spore quillwort, spiny quillwort, stiff quillwort
Lav: dzelonsporu ezerene
Fra: isoète à spores spinuleuses, isoète à spores épineuses, isoète à spores hérissées
Nld: kleine biesvaren
Swe: vekt braxengräs, isländskt braxengräs, taggsporigt braxengräs
Ita: calamaria a spore spinose
Cym: gwair merllyn bach, gwair merllyn bychan
En: Spring quillwort, Spiny-spore quillwort, Spiny-spored quillwort, Spinyspore Quillwort, Stiff quillwort, Isoète à spores épineuses, Bristlelike quillwort, Spinose-spore quillwort, Spiny quillwort
Cs: Šídlatka ostnovýtrusná
Da: Gulgrøn Brasenføde
Nl: Kleine biesvaren, Stekelbiesvaren
Et: Muda-lahnarohi
Fi: Vaalealahnanruoho
Fr: Isoète à spores spinuleuses, Isoète à spores épineuses, Isoète à spores hérissées
De: Borstiges Brachsenkraut, Igelsporiges Brachsenkraut, Stachelsporiges Brachsenkraut, Igelsporen-Brachsenkraut
Is: Álftalaukur
It: Calamaria setacea, Calamaria a spore spinose
Lv: Dzelonsporu ezerene
Lt: Šerinė slepišerė
Se: Čuvgesnjuovvi
Fa: علف شهپر بهار
Pl: Poryblin kolczasty
Sv: Vekt braxengräs, Isländskt braxengräs, Taggsporigt braxengräs
Cy: Gwair Merllyn Bach, Gwair Merllyn Bychan

Synonyms

• Isoetes lacustris subsp. echinospora ((Durieu) T.Moore & More)
• Isoetes lacustris var. longifolia (Motelay & Vendryès)
• Isoetes echinospora var. muricata ((Durieu) Engelm.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chita (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• West Siberia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Christophe RAGUE (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Christophe RAGUE (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 1998 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 1, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Christophe RAGUE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4926451)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30014870-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Isoetes echinospora Durieu)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Soil nutriments: 2