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Canadian Pondweed
Elodea canadensis
γ«γγγ’
A submerged aquatic plant native to North America, now naturalized in ponds and rivers throughout Japan. The whorled leaves are widely used as teaching material for photosynthesis experiments in school science classes.
Identification Points
- βSmall, translucent green leaves whorled along the stem
- βA fully submerged aquatic plant
- βStems are slender with 3 whorled leaves at each node
Habitat
Ponds, rivers, and irrigation channels (submerged)
Season
Year-round (grows submerged)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Herb
Leaf arrangement
Whorled
Habitat
Aquatic
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Ovary position
Inferior
Stamen count
1-2
Phylogenetic Positionγγγ«γ¬γη§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Monocots > Alismatales > Hydrocharitaceae
Divergence Era
Paleogene (ca. 60β55 Ma)
Evolution Notes
Hydrocharitaceae displays diverse adaptations to aquatic life, including submerged, floating-leaved, and emergent growth forms. Water-mediated pollination (hydrophily) has also evolved in the family.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification