Marsilea drummondii

Marsilea drummondii is a species of aquatic plant in the Marsileaceae family, commonly known as nardoo or common nardoo. This species is native to Australia, where it is widespread and often found in temporary water bodies.

Description

Marsilea drummondii is a perennial aquatic fern that forms a rosette of four-leaf clovers. The leaves are actually fronds, divided into four leaflets. The leaflets are oblong to obovate, and measure up to 2 cm long. The plant produces sporocarps, which are specialized structures that contain the spores. The sporocarps are kidney-shaped and measure up to 5 mm long.

Distribution and habitat

Marsilea drummondii is found throughout Australia, with a distribution that extends from the tropical north to the temperate south. It is typically found in temporary water bodies, such as billabongs, swamps, and floodplains. The plant is able to survive periods of drought by producing sporocarps, which can remain dormant in the soil for many years.

Uses

The sporocarps of Marsilea drummondii have been used as a food source by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. The sporocarps are ground into a flour and used to make a type of bread. However, the sporocarps contain an enzyme that can cause vitamin B1 deficiency if consumed in large quantities.

Conservation

Marsilea drummondii is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all native plants, it is protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

See also

• Flora of Australia
• Aquatic plants
• Marsileaceae