Categories: Alismataceae

Starfruit (Damasonium alisma, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 1 (1768))

Family: Alismataceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 1 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Damasonium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Siberia

Description

Starfruit, known scientifically as Damasonium alisma, is an intriguing aquatic plant that belongs to the Alismataceae family. This exquisite species can be found dispersed across a broad geographic range, from the temperate regions of Europe stretching all the way to the vast expanses of Siberia.

The Starfruit is especially notable for its distinctive star-shaped fruit, which not only lends the plant its common name but also distinguishes it from other species within its habitat. It tends to thrive in wetland environments, including marshes, ponds, and slow-moving bodies of water, where it can exploit the nutrient-rich, aquatic settings to its full advantage.

First described in the 18th century, the Starfruit was classified and documented by the eminent botanist Philip Miller in the Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 1 (1768). This pivotal work has cemented the Starfruit’s place in botanical literature and provides a foundational reference for subsequent studies and cultivation efforts.

In terms of morphological characteristics, Damasonium alisma is renowned for its rosette of lance-shaped leaves, which rise from a basal position and taper gracefully towards the tips. These foliage structures rise above the water on slender stalks and are accompanied by delicate, white flowers that bloom in small clusters. The flowers themselves are relatively small but add to the plant’s elegance with their symmetrical arrangement and purity of color.

Ecologically, the Starfruit plays a vital role in its native habitats, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of wetland ecosystems. Its presence can offer habitat and food for various aquatic organisms, including insects and small fish, thus supporting a broader food web.

As a plant of both historical significance and ecological importance, the Starfruit represents an excellent example of the intricate interdependencies found within natural water systems. It serves as a reminder of the diverse flora that populates our planet and continues to fascinate botanists and naturalists alike with its unique characteristics and expansive distribution.

Common Names

Eng: starfruit
Nld: stervruchtige waterweegbree
Spa: damasoni
Fra: damasonie étoilée, étoile d’eau
Cym: llyriad-y-dŵr sêr-ffrwythog, llyriaid-y-dŵr sêr-ffrwythog, serffrwyth
En: Starfruit, Thrumwort
Ca: Damasoni
Nl: Stervruchtige waterweegbree, Sterwaterweegbree
Fr: Damasonie Étoilée, Étoile d’eau
De: Sternfrüchtiger Froschlöffel
He: דמסון כוכבני
It: Mestolaccia stellata, Mestolaccia siciliana
Ru: Звездоплодник частуховый
Es: Damasoni
Cy: Llyriad-y-dŵr sêr-ffrwythog, Llyriaid-y-Dŵr Sêr-Ffrwythog, Serffrwyth

Synonyms

Alisma stellatum (Lam.)
Actinocarpus stellatus (Bubani)
Damasonium dalechampii (Gray)
Actinocarpus europaeus (Spreng.)
Actinocarpus maior (Bercht. & J.Presl)
Damasonium damasonium ((L.) Asch. & Graebn.)
Damasonium vulgare (Coss. & Germ.)
Damasonium stellatum (Thuill.)
Damasonium alisma subsp. stellatum (Maire)
Actinocarpus damasonium ((L.) Sweet)