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Quillwort
Isoetes japonica
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An aquatic lycophyte growing in mountain ponds and marshes. Slender chive-like leaves arise in tufts from the corm. A descendant of Carboniferous giant trees, it is among the most primitive living lycophytes.
Identification Points
- βSlender linear leaves in a rosette-like tuft
- βSporangia embedded at the base of leaves
- βGrows submerged or in wetlands
Habitat
Mountain ponds, marshes, rice paddies, and wetlands
Season
Year-round
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Herb
Leaf shape
Linear
Habitat
Aquatic
Phylogenetic PositionγγΊγγ©η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Vascular plants > Lycophyta > Lycopodiopsida > Isoetales > Isoetaceae
Divergence Era
Triassic (approx. 230 million years ago onward)
Evolution Notes
Isoetaceae is a direct descendant of Paleozoic giant trees, now persisting as miniaturized aquatic plants that retain ancient characteristics.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
π€Claude AIηζοΌζͺη’ΊθͺοΌ
AI-generated, needs verification