SafePlants

Marsilea drummondii: The Intriguing Nardoo

Marsilea drummondii, commonly known as Nardoo, is a fascinating aquatic fern native to Australia. Its historical significance and unique adaptations make it a noteworthy plant.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Marsilea drummondii A.Braun
• Common Name: Nardoo, Common Nardoo, Australian water clover, Water fern
• Family: Marsileaceae (nardoo family)
• Marsilea is a genus of approximately 65 species of aquatic ferns of the family Marsileaceae.

Distribution and Habitat

• Nardoo is widespread and common throughout inland Australia, found across every mainland state and territory, except possibly in the far north (though this isn't explicitly stated).
• It thrives in wetland areas and is often associated with areas prone to flooding, such as the Gwydir River basin.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Marsilea drummondii is a fern that typically grows to about 0.3 meters (1 foot) in height.
• Its foliage resembles a four-leaf clover.
• Leaves float on the water surface, and the plant can be fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water.
• It is a perennial.

Ecological Role

• Following floods, Nardoo can germinate rapidly, becoming a prominent feature of the landscape.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• Nardoo gained notoriety due to its connection with the Burke and Wills expedition. The explorers were introduced to eating nardoo sporocarps (seed-like spore cases) by the Yandruwandha Aborigines at Cooper Creek.
• The sporocarps were ground into a flour, mixed with water, and baked into a dough.
• It was an important food source for Aboriginal people.