Welsh mudwort (Limosella australis, Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 443 (1810))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: R.Br.

Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 443 (1810)

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Limosella

Vegetable: False

Observations: Great Britain (Wales), Bioko, S. Trop. Africa to W. Cape Prov., Australasia, America, Subantarctic Is.

Description

The Welsh mudwort, scientifically known as Limosella australis, is a distinguished member of the Plantaginaceae family. This intriguing plant species, first described in 1810 by the renowned botanist R.Br., is notable for its unique adaptability and widespread distribution across various continents and regions.

Limosella australis thrives in a variety of ecosystems, demonstrating a remarkable geographic range. This plant can be found in the wetland areas of Great Britain, particularly in Wales, and extends its presence across parts of Africa, including Bioko, Southern Tropical Africa, and the Western Cape Province. Its adaptability is further exemplified by its occurrence in Australasia, various regions of the Americas, and even the remote Subantarctic islands.

The Welsh mudwort’s ability to flourish in diverse environments speaks to its ecological versatility. It is typically found in muddy, wet habitats, where it can capitalize on the moisture and rich organic matter to thrive. This plant’s specific habitat preferences make it an important component of wetland ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological stability of these areas.

Given its broad distribution and ecological importance, Limosella australis is a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike. Its resilience and adaptability offer valuable insights into plant survival strategies and ecosystem dynamics, making the Welsh mudwort a noteworthy species in the study of plant biology and ecology.

Common Names

Eng: welsh mudwort, southern mudwort, atlantic mudwort, delta mudwort
Fra: limoselle à feuilles subulées
Cym: lleidlys cymreig
En: Welsh mudwort, Southern mudwort, Atlantic mudwort, Delta mudwort, Australian Mudwort
Fr: Limoselle à feuilles subulées
Cy: Lleidlys Cymreig

Synonyms

• Limosella minuta (Dinter & Suess.)
• Limosella americana f. terrestris (Glück)
• Limosella americana (Glück)
• Limosella monticola (Dinter)
• Limosella subulata f. submersa (Glück)
• Limosella subulata f. terrestris (Glück)
• Limosella americana f. natans (Glück)
• Limosella subulata (E.Ives)
• Limosella lineata (Glück)
• Limosella aquatica f. terrestris (Glück)
• Ygramela maritima ((Raf.) Raf.)
• Limosella aquatica f. natans (Glück)
• Limosella brachystema (Raf.)
• Limosella lineata var. brevistylis (Glück)
• Limosella lineata var. spathulata (Glück)
• Limosella coerulea (Burch.)
• Limosella maritima (Raf.)
• Limosella aquatica var. americana (Glück)
• Limosella lineata f. natans (Glück)
• Limosella subulata f. maritima (Pennell)
• Limosella lineata f. submersa (Glück)
• Limosella lineata f. terrestris (Glück)

Distribution

• Antipodean Is. (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile North (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Crozet Is. (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• Falkland Is. (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Kerguelen (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Marion-Prince Edward (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• New York (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Peru (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Andy Radnor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 18, 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.

© 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/3172213)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329497-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Limosella australis R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth