SafePlants

Lesser Water-plantain (Baldellia ranunculoides)

The Lesser Water-plantain, scientifically known as Baldellia ranunculoides, is a delicate aquatic herb found in specific wetland environments. It's a perennial flowering plant with a unique appearance and interesting ecological role.

Common Names

• Lesser Water-plantain
• Small Water-plantain
• Crowfoot-Alisma

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Baldellia ranunculoides (L.) Parl.
• Family: Alismataceae (Water-plantain Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Alisma ranunculoides
  • Echinodorus ranunculoides
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

The Lesser Water-plantain is often found in peaty, calcareous bogs and ponds. It thrives in shallow margins of lakes and other aquatic habitats where water levels fluctuate significantly. One specific location mentioned is The Lizard, where it has a relatively stable presence.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plant has a long, curving stem.
• It produces pale-pink flowers with three dainty petals that have a rough, ragged edge. The flowers bloom briefly.
• The fruiting heads are globular and spiky, resembling buttercups but with only three petals.
• Leaves are slender or narrow lanceolate when above the water.
• It is a creeping and rooting aquatic herb, growing up to 20cm.

Ecological Role

This perennial herb is restricted to habitats at the water’s edge, where potential competitors are limited by specific environmental conditions. It often grows in combination with other aquatic plants.

Quirky Facts

• The flowers have three petals, unlike buttercups, which they otherwise resemble.
• The plant can germinate from seed while the seeds are still attached to the parent plant, provided they come into contact with water.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• Freshwater Habitats Trust