Sparganium emersum - Unbranched Bur-reed

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Equisetopsida - Order: Poales - Family: Sparganiaceae

Description

Unbranched Bur-reed can reach a height of a metre or so above the water surface. The flower stalk is unbranched (unlike its relative Branched Bur-reed in which branched stems bear the flowers). Each unbranched stem bears four or five female flower clusters, some of which may have stalks, below an array of smaller male flower clusters.

Distribution

This water-plant can be found in southern and central Britain and in someparts of Ireland. Sparganium emersum is native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia and North America.

Habitat

This uncommon to rare plant is found growing in the water at the edges of lakes and slow-flowing rivers,

The pictures shown on this page were taken at Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales during July.