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Description
Pilularia Americana, also known as American pillwort or pillwort fern, is a small fern species that belongs to the family Marsileaceae. It is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and other similar habitats. This aquatic plant is characterized by its small size, erect stems, and tiny leaves that resemble pills or beads.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Pteridophyta |
| Class | Polypodiopsida |
| Order | Marsileales |
| Family | Marsileaceae |
| Genus | Pilularia |
Appearance
Pilularia Americana is a small fern that usually grows up to 10 cm in height. It has a single, erect stem that is green, brown, or reddish-brown in color. The stem is thin and wiry, and it branches out into many tiny leaflets that resemble pills or beads. The leaflets are arranged in groups of four and are attached to the stem by a short petiole. The leaflets are oval-shaped and have a smooth surface. They are green in color and can turn brownish or reddish in the fall.
Care Guide
Pilularia Americana is an aquatic plant that requires specific care to grow and thrive. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:- Water: Pilularia Americana requires a constant supply of water to grow. It prefers to be submerged in water, but it can also tolerate wet soil. Make sure to keep the soil or water moist at all times.- Fertilization: This plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can add some aquatic plant fertilizer to the water or soil once a month during the growing season.- Soil: If you are growing Pilularia Americana in soil, make sure to use a mix of sand, peat, and clay. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as it can cause the leaves to burn.- Hardiness Zones: Pilularia Americana is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pilularia Americana is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can affect this plant:- Algae: Algae can grow on the leaves of Pilularia Americana and suffocate the plant. To prevent algae growth, make sure to keep the water clean and well-aerated.- Snails: Snails can eat the leaves of Pilularia Americana and cause significant damage. You can remove snails by hand or use a snail bait.- Fungal diseases: Pilularia Americana can be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot or leaf spot. To prevent fungal diseases, make sure to keep the water or soil clean and well-drained.
Habitat
Pilularia Americana is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and other similar habitats. It prefers to grow in shallow water or wet soil that is rich in organic matter. This plant can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils and can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pilularia Americana an indoor or outdoor plant?A: Pilularia Americana is an aquatic plant that is best grown outdoors in wetlands, marshes, or other similar habitats.Q: Does Pilularia Americana require regular fertilization?A: Pilularia Americana does not require regular fertilization, but you can add some aquatic plant fertilizer to the water or soil once a month during the growing season.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pilularia Americana?A: Pilularia Americana is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10.Q: What are some common pests and diseases that can affect Pilularia Americana?A: Pilularia Americana can be affected by algae, snails, and fungal diseases such as root rot or leaf spot.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the same family as Pilularia Americana:- Marsilea quadrifolia- Marsilea vestita- Marsilea minuta- Marsilea macropoda
References
– “Pilularia Americana.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286928&isprofile=0&.- “Pilularia Americana.” Plant Care Today, 18 June 2021, plantcaretoday.com/pilularia-americana.
