Pond Water-starwort
Callitriche stagnalis
The Pond Water-starwort is a versatile aquatic plant that can grow either submerged or with floating leaves. It often forms dense green mats on the water surface, with leaves arranged in characteristic rosettes. A key identifying feature is the small fruit, which consists of four mericarps that are distinctly winged along their margins.
Details
Oxygen production
High during the growth phase due to underwater photosynthesis.
Habitat function
Serves as a spawning substrate for fish and amphibians and as a habitat for micro-organisms.
Nutrient uptake
Effective uptake of dissolved nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate.
Food source for
Food source for various water snails and waterfowl.
Human use
Occasional use in aquariums or garden ponds.
Ecology
Ecological role
Primary producer; provides shelter and habitat for aquatic invertebrates and fish spawn.
Natural predators
Waterfowl, herbivorous fish, and aquatic insect larvae.
Competitor species
Other water-starwort species (Callitriche spp.) and duckweeds (Lemna spp.).
Ecosystem service
Oxygen production in water; nutrient sequestration; erosion control on the water bed.
Threats
Water pollution, herbicide use, and extreme desiccation of habitats.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Generative via seeds (often dispersed by water or waterfowl) and vegetative through shoot fragmentation; can form creeping runners on land.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Destruction of small water bodies, excessive herbicide input, extreme eutrophication, and the straightening of ditches.