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Description
Isoetes Histrix, commonly known as the bristly quillwort, is a species of quillwort that belongs to the Isoetaceae family. It is an aquatic plant that is native to North America and can be found in shallow freshwater areas like ponds, lakes, and streams. The plant has a unique appearance that is characterized by its bristly leaves and cone-shaped corms.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Lycopodiophyta |
| Class | Isoetopsida |
| Order | Isoetales |
| Family | Isoetaceae |
| Genus | Isoetes |
Appearance
The bristly quillwort has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other aquatic plants. It has bristly leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern and grow up to 12 inches long. The leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture. The plant also has cone-shaped corms that are brown in color and grow up to 2 inches long. The corms are covered with bristly hairs that give the plant its name.
Care Guide
Water: The bristly quillwort is an aquatic plant and requires a constant supply of water. It thrives in shallow freshwater areas like ponds, lakes, and streams.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization as it obtains nutrients from the water and surrounding soil.Soil: The bristly quillwort does not require soil as it is an aquatic plant. However, it does require a substrate like sand or gravel to anchor its roots.Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full sunlight and should be placed in an area that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: The bristly quillwort is hardy to USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The bristly quillwort is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to fungal infections if grown in stagnant water. To prevent fungal infections, ensure that the water in the plant’s environment is well-circulated.
Habitat
The bristly quillwort is native to North America and can be found in shallow freshwater areas like ponds, lakes, and streams. It prefers areas with slow-moving water and a substrate like sand or gravel to anchor its roots.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the bristly quillwort be grown in a fish tank?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a fish tank as long as the water is well-circulated and the substrate is appropriate.Q: How fast does the bristly quillwort grow?
A: The plant grows relatively slowly and may take several months to reach its full size.Q: Does the bristly quillwort require pruning?
A: No, the plant does not require pruning as it grows relatively slowly and maintains its shape.Q: Can the bristly quillwort be propagated?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by dividing the corms and replanting them.
Related Plants
- Isoetes echinospora
- Isoetes flaccida
- Isoetes lacustris
- Isoetes macrospora
References
- “Isoetes Histrix – (Braun) Palmer & Steyermark.” NatureServe Explorer, NatureServe. 2021, explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.138107/Isoetes_histrix.
- “Isoetes Histrix (Braun) Palmer & Steyermark.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. 2021, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:126290-2.
