Eriocaulon aquaticum
Species of flowering plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eriocaulon aquaticum is a species of flowering plant within the genus Eriocaulon and family Eriocaulaceae. It is known by many common names such as the common pipewort,[3] northern pipewort,[4] seven-angled pipewort[5] and hatpins.[4]
| Eriocaulon aquaticum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Eriocaulaceae |
| Genus: | Eriocaulon |
| Species: | E. aquaticum |
| Binomial name | |
| Eriocaulon aquaticum | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Description
Eriocaulon aquaticum is a perennial plant reaching a maximum height of 20 cm on land, however it can reach heights of several feet when submerged underwater. Grass-like, basal leaves sprout from the base of the plant. Blooms are made up of multiple tiny flowers, which are held above the waterline on long, unbranched stems.[4] The flowers are white and possess nectar glands near the tip of each petal to attract pollinating insects.[5] Blooms are monoecious, with male flowers at the centre of the flowerhead and female flowers surrounding them.[6]
Distribution and habitat
This species can only be found in the northern hemisphere.[2] It is widespread throughout North America where it can be found the states of: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin.[2] It is also widespread throughout Canada and can be found within the following Canadian Provinces: Labrador, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Québec.[2] Within Europe E. aquaticum is only found in the United Kingdom and Ireland.[2]
Eriocaulon aquaticum is a wetland species, which inhabits bogs, ponds, lakes, marshes and slow flowing rivers.[7][8][4] It is generally a plant associated with temperate lowland habitats, however it has been recorded living up to 300 metres above sea level.[8]