Floating Water-plantain
VU

Floating Water-plantain

Luronium natans

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luronium

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Floating Water-plantain faces severe decline across its European range due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and eutrophication of shallow water bodies. Water level fluctuations from dam construction and water management practices disrupt its specialized amphibious lifecycle, while invasive aquatic plants outcompete this slow-growing species in nutrient-enriched waters. Urban development and pond infilling have eliminated numerous historical populations, particularly in lowland areas where suitable shallow, oligotrophic waters are increasingly rare.

Threat summary

Habitat

This aquatic plant inhabits shallow, nutrient-poor waters including pond margins, slow-flowing streams, ditches, and seasonal pools across Europe. It requires clear, oligotrophic conditions with fluctuating water levels that allow both submerged and terrestrial growth phases.

FRESHWATER· major

Other threatened species in Alismataceae

Ribbon-leaved Water-plantainCR

Ribbon-leaved Water-plantain

Alisma gramineum

Unknown
WapatoCR

Wapato

Sagittaria latifolia

Unknown
creeping lesser water-plantainEN

creeping lesser water-plantain

Baldellia repens

Unknown
Lesser Water-plantainEN

Lesser Water-plantain

Baldellia ranunculoides

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Floating Water-plantain classified as Vulnerable?
Floating Water-plantain is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Floating Water-plantain faces severe decline across its European range due to habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and eutrophication of shallow water bodies. Water level fluctuations from dam construction and water management practices disrupt its specialized amphibious lifecycle, while invasive aquatic plants outcompete this slow-growing species in nutrient-enriched waters. Urban development and pond infilling have eliminated numerous historical populations, particularly in lowland areas where suitable shallow, oligotrophic waters are increasingly rare.
Where does Floating Water-plantain live?
Floating Water-plantain occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Floating Water-plantain?
The main threats to Floating Water-plantain are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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