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Potamogeton sp.
Common Name of Genus: Pondweeds
Family: Potamogetonaceae
Description: A genus consisting of 80 species of hardy, aquatic perennials worldwide, that may have submersed or floating leaves that can be large or small. Hybridization is common among members of this genus.
Leaves: Linear, 1.2-6.3 cm long, 3-5(7) nerved, acute to attenuate at the tip, the margin often revolute; divided into inner and outer leaves that are undifferentiated; submersed leaves differ from floating leaves in that floating leaves have a well-developed epidermis and cuticle where as submersed leaves do not.
Flowers: Inflorescences that may be emergent, submersed, or both
Stem: Two types of stems occur, rhizomes and erect stems; erect stems: 0.4-0.8 mm thick, simple or branched; many stems have oil glands at the node of submersed leaves
Branching Pattern: Alternate to nearly opposite
Height: Variable depending on species, 0.1-1.5 meters
Conditions/Habitat/Kind of Forest: Lakes, ponds, marshes, and rivers
Range: Throughout the United States and worldwide
Conservation Status-US/ World Wide: Not threatened
Uses (Human): One of the most important sources of food and habitat for aquatic animals;
References:
Aquatic and Wetland Vascular Plants of the Northern Great Plains. February 23, 2005. Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. Accessed: December 21, 2005. <http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/vascplnt/species/pstr.htm>
Flora of North America. 2004. Accessed: December 21, 2005. <http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=126627>
Plants for a Future. June 2004. Accessed: December 21, 2005. <http://pfaf.org/database/search_name.php?ALLNAMES=potamogeton>