Common Nardoo

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©Giorgio De Nola via natureshare.org.au CC2.5, Richard Hartland via natureshare.org.au CC-BY

Marsilea drummondii

Semi-aquatic fern, with each frond having two pairs of leaflets that form a clover-like pattern. Eaxh leaflet 10-35 mm long. Spreads by rhizomes. Rhizome much-branched, with dense brownish scales towards the tips. The fronds are sterile and erect, usually 2-30 cm long, solitary or clustered.

Details
Flora Type
Ferns
Distinctive Features

Leaflets forms a four-leaf clover pattern. Its stems are flexible so its leaves can float on the water's surface.
Biology

Perennial. Prefers boggy soils and seasonally waterlogged conditions on the margins of gilgais, clay pans, waterholes, swamps, roadside drains and wet depressions in a variety of vegetation types. Can form dense swards following flooding so it becomes the dominant groundcover species.
Native Status
Native
Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Polypodiopsida (Ferns)
Order
Salviniales
Family
Marsileaceae
Genus
Marsilea
Species
drummondii

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Members of Burke and WillsÕs 1860-1861 expedition worsened their health by eating Marsilea drummondii which can contain high levels of the enzyme Thiaminase. Reproduces by sporocarps which are food for water fowl, and can remain viable for 20-30 years.

Interesting Facts
Native Status
Native