creeping lesser water-plantain
Baldellia repens
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) mjcorreia, all rights reserved, uploaded by mjcorreia
Overview
Creeping lesser water-plantain is a small aquatic perennial herb with narrow, linear leaves and delicate white flowers that bloom from summer to early autumn. This semi-aquatic plant spreads via creeping stolons and plays an important role in shallow wetland ecosystems by providing habitat structure and food sources for aquatic invertebrates and waterfowl.
Creeping lesser water-plantain is declining primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of shallow freshwater wetlands through drainage, agricultural conversion, and water pollution. The species' highly specialized habitat requirements and fragmented distribution make it particularly vulnerable to hydrological changes and eutrophication from agricultural runoff.
Habitat
This species inhabits the shallow margins of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, typically growing in muddy substrates that experience seasonal water level fluctuations. It thrives in areas where water depths range from a few centimeters to completely exposed mud during dry periods, often forming colonies along gently sloping shorelines.
Other threatened species in Alismataceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is creeping lesser water-plantain classified as Endangered?
Where does creeping lesser water-plantain live?
What are the main threats to creeping lesser water-plantain?
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