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small waterwort
Scientific Name: Elatine minima
Family: Elatinaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names: MD (small waterwort), PA (small waterwort)
Small Waterwort (Elatine minima)
Elatine minima, commonly known as small waterwort, is a diminutive aquatic plant belonging to the waterwort family, Elatinaceae.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Elatine minima (Nutt.) Fisch. & C.A. Mey.
- Family: Elatinaceae (Waterwort Family)
- Synonyms: Crypta minima Nutt.
- Other Elatine Species Mentioned:
- Elatine americana (American Waterwort, Mud Purslane)
- Elatine hydropiper (Eight-stamen Waterwort)
- Elatine triandra Schkuhr (Mudwort or Three-stamen Waterwort, Greater Waterwort, Long-stem Waterwort, Water-Purslane)
- Elatine ambigua Wight (Asian Waterwort)
- Elatine brachysperma Gray (Shortseed Waterwort)
- Elatine californica A. Gray (California Waterwort)
Distribution and Habitat
- Small waterwort is found in freshwater lakes, from just under the surface down to about ten feet.
- Specifically mentioned locations include Connecticut (CT), Massachusetts (MA), Garrett County, Maryland.
- Prefers shallow water.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Tiny annual water plant.
- Forms small mats.
- Submersed stems are 0.5-2.5 cm long.
- Leaves are small (3-8 mm) and rounded at the tip.
- Roots freely at the nodes when submerged or exposed.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Frequently grows with Juncus pelocarpus and Myriophyllum tenellum.
Quirky Facts
- The waterworts (Elatine) are described as "small, unassuming aquatic plants."