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riverweed
Scientific Name: Podostemum
Family: Podostemaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Riverweed (Podostemaceae and Podostemum ceratophyllum)
Riverweed encompasses a variety of aquatic plants, most notably those belonging to the family Podostemaceae and the species Podostemum ceratophyllum. These plants are adapted to life in rapidly flowing streams and rivers.
Considerations for Pets
- Riverweed often grows attached to rocks, potentially creating slippery surfaces in aquatic environments.
Considerations for Children
- Riverweed grows in rapidly flowing water environments.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Podostemaceae (riverweed family)
- Order: Malpighiales
- Podostemum ceratophyllum is also known as hornleaf riverweed.
Distribution and Habitat
- Riverweed is found primarily in tropical regions.
- Podostemum ceratophyllum is found in North America, specifically in shallow streams from western Quebec southward to Georgia, and in the Roanoke and Dan River systems of Virginia and North Carolina.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Riverweed species are described as more or less thalloid aquatic herbs.
- Podostemum ceratophyllum forms low mats on submerged rocks in rapids and waterfalls.
Ecological Role
- Riverweed can filter water and provide habitat for aquatic organisms.
- In some areas, "river weed" refers to cannabis that has ended up in bodies of water.
- Riverweed may need to be removed from river systems to prevent flooding.
Quirky Facts
- In Laos, riverweed is harvested from the Mekong and other rivers and used to make a popular snack called kaipen (river weed chips). It's sometimes served with buffalo skin and chili peppers.