Water pygmyweed (Crassula aquatica, H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(2): 37 (1891))

Family: Crassulaceae

Author: (L.) Schönland

Bibliography: H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(2): 37 (1891)

Year: 1891

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crassula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Coastal Subarctic to Temp. Northern Hemisphere and C. America

Description

Water pygmyweed, scientifically known as Crassula aquatica, is a diminutive yet remarkable member of the Crassulaceae family. The name is credited to the work of H.G.A. Engler and K.A.E. Prantl, first described in their publication “Nat. Pflanzenfam.” in 1891, and the species was later attributed to (L.) Schönland.

This intriguing plant is predominantly found in coastal subarctic to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere as well as parts of Central America. Known for its exceptional ability to thrive in varied wet environments, Crassula aquatica often inhabits intertidal zones and the margins of freshwater bodies, where it may form colonies in shallow water or muddy substrates.

The plant is characterized by its small, fleshy leaves, which are typical of the Crassulaceae family, enabling it to retain moisture and withstand periodic submersion or dry conditions. Its petite stature and adaptability make it a prime candidate for studies on plant resilience and specialized adaptations in fluctuating wetland ecosystems.

Despite its unassuming size, Water pygmyweed plays a significant role in its habitat, contributing to the stabilization of sediment and providing microhabitats for various aquatic organisms. Its presence often indicates healthy, minimally disturbed wetland environments, showcasing nature’s delicate balance.

Water pygmyweed’s fascinating adaptability and ecological importance highlight its role from both a botanical and conservational perspective. Further study and preservation efforts of such species are essential for maintaining the health and biodiversity of wetland ecosystems worldwide.

Common Names

Dan: korsarve
Deu: wasser-dickblatt
Eng: water pygmyweed, aquatic pygmyweed, pigmyweed, common pygmyweed, river-leek
Nor: pølarv
Lav: udenu biezlapite,
Pol: uwroc wodna
Swe: fyrling
Sme: njealljedearri
Fra: tillée aquatique, crassule aquatique
Cym: corchwyn
Gla: luibh beag bìodach
En: Water pygmyweed, COMMON PIGMYWEED, Aquatic pygmyweed, Pigmyweed, Common pygmyweed, River-leek, Northern Water-stonecrop, Water Pigmyweed
Ar: كرسول مائي
Be: Тылея вадзяная
Zh: 东爪草
Cs: Masnice vodní
Da: Korsarve
Et: Vesikas
Fi: Vesipaunikko, Paunikko
Fr: Tillée aquatique, Crassule aquatique
De: Wasser-Dickblatt
Is: Vatnsögn
Lv: Udenu biezlapite,
Se: Njealljedearri
No: Pølarv
Pl: Uwroć wodna, Uwroc wodna
Ru: Тиллея водная
Gd: Luibh Beag Bìodach
Sv: Fyrling
Cy: Corchwyn

Synonyms

• Tillaea bolanderi (Greene)
• Tillaeastrum aquaticum ((L.) Britton)
• Tillaea yunnanensis (S.H.Fu)
• Hydrophila aquatica ((L.) House)
• Tillaeastrum pringlei (Rose)
• Bulliarda aquatica var. minima (Lindstr.)
• Tillaea pringlei ((Rose) V.V.Byalt)
• Tillaea likiangensis (H.Chuang)
• Tillaea aquatica var. prostrata ((Schkuhr) Wahlenb.)
• Bulliarda prostrata ((Schkuhr) DC.)
• Tillaea abyssinica (Walp.)
• Tillaea ascendens (Eaton)
• Tillaea drummondii var. bolanderi ((S.Watson) Jeps.)
• Bulliarda aquatica ((L.) DC.)
• Bulliarda linnaei (Spreng.)
• Tillaea angustifolia (Nutt.)
• Crassula schkuhrii (Roth)
• Bulliarda schkuhrii (Spreng.)
• Tillaea prostrata (Schkuhr)
• Tillaea aquatica (L.)
• Tillaea angustifolia var. bolanderi (S.Watson)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Amur (native)
• Austria (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Finland (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 5, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 5, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Andy Radnor (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7565449)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1167317-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crassula aquatica (L.) Schönland)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth