Isoetes eludens
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| Isoetes eludens | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Lycophytes |
| Class: | Lycopodiopsida |
| Order: | Isoetales |
| Family: | Isoetaceae |
| Genus: | Isoetes |
| Species: | I. eludens |
| Binomial name | |
| Isoetes eludens J.P.Roux, Hopper & Rhian J.Sm. | |
Isoetes eludens is an aquatic plant in the genus commonly known as quillwort that is native to the Kamiesberg Mountains in Namaqualand, South Africa. So far it is known to grow only in a single !gau (gnamma), a small temporary pool formed in a hollowed out area of granite rock. It has likely been growing in that region for millions of years, but was only discovered in 2007 and described in 2009.[1] The specific epithet eludens refers to the fact that it eluded discovery, in spite of several searches in recent years in the area for new quillwort species.[2]
The genus Isoetes, the quillworts, are most closely related to Selaginellas, with fossils morphologically similar to extant species dating back more than 150 million years. Isoetes eludens grows only 6 cm (2.4 in) tall, with root hairs growing 5 mm (0.20 in) under the soil surface. It has up to twelve green sporophylls, or leaves that produce spores, growing in a tight cluster. Like other quillworts, the sporophylls are hollow and rounded like a quill. The spore-producing part of the leaf is at the base, producing both megaspores and microspores.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Isoetes eludens was found in a single !gau, or seasonal rock pool, that is 2 m (6.6 ft) wide and 15 cm (5.9 in) deep.[2][3] The pool is on a granite gneiss ridge at 1,284 m (4,213 ft) elevation in the Kamiesberg Mountains, Namaqualand, South Africa. Most quillworts are found growing in permanent lakes or bogs, with a few rare species growing in temporary pools. Isoetes eludens has the ability to survive during dry periods as dormant spores, or during damp periods with corms or submerged stems under the mud.[1]