1-6  Isoëtaceae, quillwort family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Pteridophyte, native ferns, quillwort family, aquatic plants, fern allies

Abstract

These aquatic or amphibious plants are cosmopolitan, numbering about 150 species. Leaves are linear, pointed and straight or recurved, arising from a corm–like rhizome. Sporangia are produced in the hollow bases of the leaves, with outer leaves bearing megaspores and inner leaves bearing microspores. It is difficult to separate the species. A microscope is required to measure the spores and determine the adornments. Habitat and velum structure will aid in the determination. Photo use provided by Roger Lloyd.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor

1-6 Isoëtaceae, quillwort family